EDITOR:
On April 8, voters living in the Platte County R-3 School District boundaries have an opportunity to help finish a very important job. Voting yes on the ballot question will fund Phase 2 of the high school rebuild project while importantly continuing a track record of designing impactful and important upgrades without asking for an increase to the current tax levy.
The facts clearly demonstrate the school district’s ongoing strong financial management along with a growing economic base.
In April 2021, voters overwhelmingly approved Phase 1, and students have benefitted from the initial new construction of additional classrooms along with upgrades to key multipurpose facilities. I’ve personally read and heard so many glowing comments from visitors impressed with what Platte County continues to build.
But this was just the beginning of a larger vision. Voting yes gives a clear mandate to finish the job and complete the overall vision that allows the district to address the aging facilities with the oldest portion of the high school dating back to 1963 with patchwork modifications undertaken over the years that have led to inefficiencies and limitations on space, security and functionality.
The next phase creates better learning environments designed to meet modern needs. This would create 50 new classrooms, with many specifically designed for science, business, engineering, marketing, journalism and performing arts students.
Perhaps most importantly, the high school would finally sit under one roof with no need to send students between multiple buildings and reduce the number of entry points. The benefits to security cannot be overstated.
While some will suggest the idea of continued renovations, the developed plan is unquestionably cost-effective and the best use of our tax dollars. The district made sure to undergo thorough assessments to confirm this.
All of the work can be done with minimal disruptions to the academic calendar and only adds to the quality of facilities in all areas of the district.
While the high school remains the centerpiece, the $62 million bond issue also supports other needed projects like creating dedicated playgrounds for both Pathfinder and Barry elementary schools, expanded parking and traffic flow improvements at Compass Elementary and site amenities for the growing activities complex at Platte Purchase Middle School.
I commend leadership for continually addressing the needs of a growing and diverse school district across a challenging footprint. Voters have an opportunity to send a strong message and support progress for our students and educational professionals.
Please join me in voting yes on the Platte County R-3 School district ballot question next month.
--Tricia Friddell
Platte City
