Opinion : Letter to the editor: 18 million dollar school in Shellsburg?

Dear Editor,

I attended the final forum for realignment for the Vinton-Shellsburg School District. I was disheartened by the lack of participation from the community, but I understand why. I don’t feel that this information has been properly dispersed. No one that I talked to even knew there was a meeting.  In case any of you didn’t know, the school district is looking to realign the schools and have every grade level together.  Meaning all Kindergarten through 3rd grade will go to Tilford in Vinton, and 4th and 5th grade will go to Shellsburg. I believe that our school children do need to grow up together; however, I feel the school board has not properly given all of the information. 

While I have many concerns and questions, my biggest concern is the fact the school board will soon be voting on if they want to go forward with building a new school in Shellsburg which will cost approximately $18 million. Apparently, they can do this without a normal bond, and the residents of the school district will not be allowed to vote.

It was brought up many times that Shellsburg alone cannot sustain a school. They have to bus children from the rest of the district to that school for it to be viable. If this is the case, why does the rest of the district have to subsidize Shellsburg?

Another concern is with safety. Shellsburg does not have anywhere close to equivalent emergency services to protect the children as Vinton. I’m concerned with response time in the event of an emergency.

I also would like to know if this is the only proposal that has been discussed. Has anyone looked into the cost of adding on to Tilford? There is plenty of space to do so, and this would put all school personnel in one location. Vinton is the center of the school district. This would save on transportation with every bus coming to a central location. Shellsburg is in the very southeast corner of the district. 

While I can sympathize with the residents of Shellsburg and their concerns over losing a school, I believe the most financially responsible and logical route would be to move all schools to Vinton. 

The only way to help the school board’s decision is to respectfully share your opinion. There are no more forums. Reach out to a board member, but make sure we remain respectful.

Eric Hummel