Letter to the editor: The time is now to update and renovate our schools to compete with our neighbors
October 19, 2023
Dear Editor,
Riverside Intermediate School: Opened in 1954.
Luther C. Klager Elementary School: Opened in 1968.
The “New” Manchester Jr./Sr. High School: Opened in 2004.
As we consider the Bond Renewal proposal from the Manchester Community Schools, and the upcoming vote on that proposal on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, it’s time that we look at the current state of the buildings and classrooms within our district and the state of our structures as we continue to compete with our neighboring school districts for students, families in our community, and resources, many of whom have already taken the steps to update and modernize their schools to become the centerpieces and draws to their communities.
At the center of the proposal are the foundational projects of “Warm, Safe, and Dry,” which are not items and projects that are “above and beyond,” but simply replacing and updating heating and cooling systems throughout the district that are continually being repaired and replaced, adding to our security communication systems that would allow for enhanced communication between buildings within the district, and direct access to local law enforcement and first response teams, as well as the replacement of aging roofing systems at Klager and Riverside schools.
Another critical and just as important piece to the proposal is the complete renovation of the classrooms and learning environments at Klager and Riverside schools with updates to flooring, painting, lighting, furnishings, and core technologies that reflect a modern teaching and learning environment. Anyone who has recently been to Klager or who works there knows the state of classroom carpeting, furnishings, and technology to compete with our neighboring schools. It’s long past time that we give our kids the very best in order for them to thrive in a new and changing world.
The proposal looks to the future and includes the overall Manchester Community with a nod to our senior citizens and their use of a proposed Community/Auxiliary Gymnasium for pickleball, classes, indoor exercise, and walking, as well as the use of this space for the building of the critical Youth Athletic programming and teams that are such an important piece to the growth of any community.
We know that surrounding communities have done bond projects, typically with an increase for less, but many have also done projects and renovations that far exceed the amount being asked for in this bond renewal. We always talk about the things and facilities and programs that surrounding school districts have. This is our opportunity to do just that.
This year, a committee was started, working with our State Representative Carrie Rheingans to help allow a move for Manchester Community Schools to become an “exempt Proposal A” school. Currently, there are 45 schools in the state that are exempt and recognized that this State Foundation Allowance system was not going to promote the required fiscal yield to their respective districts, years ago. Ann Arbor Public Schools is one of those schools. In short, this would allow us to keep local tax dollars local instead of those operating dollars being redistributed by the state to other schools, which is what the State Foundation Allowance currently does. This process could take 3–5 years to move and 75% approval by our state’s legislators. We simply cannot stand by and wait. Our school is in desperate need of improvements to gain our competitive advantage back. This is a zero increase to your taxes; our schools deserve this chance.
Although there are many conflicting opinions in our community about the growth of Consumers Energy (Freedom Township), potential gravel pit (Sharon Township), and numerous solar panel farms in all townships, it is important to remember the role that these businesses play in supporting our schools. With growth in these businesses, it allows us to pay down debt quicker. However, with the current State Foundation Allowance, those operating costs are not solely gained by Manchester alone, they get redistributed to other school districts to maintain the State Allowance (currently $9,150/student).
In summary, we cannot make assumptions about what other districts are or are not doing; there are too many external circumstances that influence growth. Manchester is not the only school facing challenges with declining enrollment. Our district needs these improvements to help promote a great educational experience and environment and to make our community school a “destination location.” Not only for those seeking school-of-choice enrollment, but to keep those students currently in our district, in our district. We should be focusing on continuing to support our local community schools before they cease to exist. Please consider the legacy of not voting “yes,” living in Manchester and “outsourcing” your child’s education to the likes of another WISD district. Please ask yourself, “What is a community without a community school!” Our district needs this funding as our community continues to explore new ways to reduce the tax burden on our residents.
In the end, let’s do something great for our kids, and let’s do something great for our community! They certainly deserve it! Vote Yes!
Sincerely,
Bill Kemner
Manchester Township
Views expressed in any Letter to the Editor are always exclusively those of the author. Do you have something you want Manchester to know? Send your Letter to the Editor to themanchestermirror@gmail.com.
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