FRANKLIN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
101 WEST NASH STREET
LOUISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA 27549
(919) 496-1469
www.FranklinNCGOP.com

February 20, 2006

BREAKING NEWS

$45-Million School Bond on May 2 Ballot
Commissioners Vote 7-0 to Allow Bond on Primary Ballot
Property Tax from '04 and '06 Bond Could Increase 13-1/2 Cents
'Thirty-seven million dollars is a lot for one school.'


Bob Winters, at podium, asked the commissioners to delay the bond until November
because only 36 percent voted in the 2004 primary compared to 65 percent in the November election.
 

At a packed standing-room only meeting, teachers, administrators and the school board made up most of the crowd at the February 20 commissioners meeting and all of them supported the $45-million school bond on the May 2 ballot.



Chuck Stires (click to enlarge)

However, the Franklin County Republican Party presented a statement  by Chuck Stires of Youngsville who urged the delay of the bond until November so that it could be better studied. He also said that projections for the county's future should focus on public, private and home schools.

Kenneth King, who supported the $30-million school bond in 2004, was "appalled" about the $45-million bond.

"I do not believe this bond issue is what we need," said King who was a former school board member. "Thirty-seven million dollars is a lot for one school."


Bob Winters (click to enlarge)

Bob Winters also questioned the urgency for the bond to be on the May ballot.

"What's the hurry?" Winters asked. "Are you keeping some child from getting a quality education if you remand this referendum to the general election in November rather than pushing it forward to the ballot in May?"

Winters asked is this the best option, have all other avenues if fiscal restraint been explored and implemented and would year-round schools help? He also asked if $37 million was really needed to build a "decent high school."

"What happened to the money from the last bond issue? How many students were accommodated and has the money been spent?" asked Winters. He said that only $1.2 million has been spent from the 2004 $30-million bond so far.

"In my opinion it is up to you as commissioners to not just write the Board of Education a blank check as long as it can be run through on a referendum especially one where only about thirty-six percent vote. But to come up with answers to these questions before you place your imprimatur on the issue by including it on any ballot, let alone the one in May," Winters added.


Scott Lerew (click to enlarge)

Scott Lerew said the school bond is important.

"I'm not in favor of the taxes being raised," said Lerew. He suggested that the county look at all avenues other than property taxes to pay for the bond. Lerew also said the lottery is on the horizon which could be used to pay for schools.

Others in the audience also supported the bond. Superintendent Bert L'Homme said the bond was needed immediately and should be on the May ballot. He emphasized that Franklinton High School is running out of space and a new school is needed. L'Homme said the school board will have a meeting February 27 at the Mitchell Media Center and everyone is invited to discuss the bond.

When asked about the possibility of year-round schools, L'Homme said it will not work and parents are opposed to it.

Democrat Commissioner Jimmie Gupton questioned the need for $45 million for a school and asked if the school board was dragging their feet on a new school.

Republican Commissioner Harry Foy asked about year round schools to save money.

Democrat Commissioner Sid Dunston said that year-round schools would save four cents on property tax, but L'Homme said less than 50 percent of the parents polled support year round.

Republican Commissioner Don Lancaster said: "We need to do everything we possibly can and be creative."

He said a cost-effective school is needed and "we can't float a $45-million" school bond every four years.

Countless teachers and administrators voiced support for the bond on the May 2 primary ballot.

"I believe our children are worth the investment," said a Youngsville principal. Others echoed her sentiment.

Mayor Jenny Edwards of Franklinton said the citizens should be allowed to vote on the bond but she did not say one way or the other if she supported it.

Principals from numerous schools said the bond was needed for more classrooms.

Charles Fuller, principal of Franklinton High School said the school is 83 years old and is "totally maxed."

He said there are only four male and four female restrooms and the parking is not adequate. A new school would allow for growth he said.

After nearly two hours of discussions the commissioners voted unanimously to place the bond on the May 2 ballot.

After the vote an elderly woman in the audience said she would vote against the bond because she is on a fixed income and cannot afford another tax increase.

During a break school board members and administrators were heard saying they "have their work cut out" to promote the $45-million bond in May.