Board votes 3-1 for Lane Property to build Magee Elementary

It’s a shame that the majority of the School Board decided to make this terrible long term decision adversely impacting the educational and economic future of Simpson County. There is NO long term view by our School Board as to building an effective educational program to serve ALL of our students across the County nor consider how to wisely invest taxpayer dollars. I suspect that most people across Simpson County are unaware or simply fail to realize the importance of the direction our school system is now headed.
A few facts to consider: 1. The “New” Magee Elementary School is NOT a complete school facility since almost 1/2 of the school will consist of “Portables” or temporary structures. For spending $10-11,000,000 for 1/2 a school with a School District limited in their borrowing capacity does not seem like a good investment. 2. Placing an elementary school next to a active railroad, electrical sub-station and possibly a large truck stop, along with questionable safe traffic routing for buses is not a wise decision. 3. Failing to engage the newly elected School Superintendent in the decision process was another not so wise decision. 4. The School Board indicated prior to their vote to purchase the property, that a decision needed to be made NOW and would not consider any other options. The School Board decided not to consider Mr. Sammy Welch’s objection or the fact that Mrs. Linda Curlee could not vote on the matter, denying the majority of taxpayers or students from Magee represented by these two (2) Board Members an adequate voice in the final decision.
The reality for the educational and economic future of Simpson County lies in our ability to stop playing “catch-up” with our school systems (facilities, programs, academics, or attracting.retaining/motivating quality teachers/staff). I hope that more citizens of Simpson County will come to realize before it is too late that there are much better alternatives for improving our school systems and speak with their respective School Board Members and Superintendent (current and newly elected) about their concerns. It is easy to continue down the same path and do nothing; however, courage and effort are required when you want to improve life for your family and community.