I am having a meeting with some people about the bond issue on 8/10. Anything in particular that you would like to know?

There is an article that CCS posted in the Bond Issue Prediction Thread that might answer your previous question.

I still curious why they made the choice to increase the district's debt load to work on athletic facilities this close to asking for a bond issue. The appearance is that of misplaced priorities. The board president said they were restricted to only spending the money on athletics. But they didn't have to borrow the money in the first place, especially just before proposing to raise taxes after securing a loan that will cost about a million dollars in interest payments over 20 years.

It's great for Oak Grove to have a new stadium, but it shouldn't have been done if the schools are falling apart and busting at the seams.

I see your concerns, but the athletics renovations were done only after renovating and adding classrooms and buildings. The reason that athletics were built is because no one (consultants, Lamar Co. Officials) or anyone could predict this kind of growth in Lamar County Schools. That is why they are needing to build and add now.

I will ask your question and let you know what kind of response I get.

The money was borrowed in the near past, but the flight to Lamar has been going on for 15 years. The new OGHS was crowded when it opened. There are temporary classrooms that have been in place around the county since before the athletics money was borrowed.

Now, the district is desperate for funds, but I have little sympathy for their plight when that big new stadium is going up using borrowed money. Instead of a bond issue, maybe what's needed is some new leadership and vision (board and administration) in Lamar schools.

I do understand where you are coming from. I guess I just feel different than you. If I am going to be sending my kids there, I want nothing but the best and I am willing to pay for it.

Also, I don't look at them as putting athletics above education seeing that at OG last year, every sport had an average GPA of 3.0. If it wasn't this good, then I would be worried.

Do as you wish and I will see if I can get any more clarity come Tuesday.

Clarity would be appreciated. Let them know it's seen as a problem.