I just read the online newspaper from my hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa and discovered that the school board is buying property to build a new middle school. They are planning on building this by the year 2013 and the school will be located near the high schools. I see many downsides to this idea and some good. The argument is probably going to be that the old schools could not support modern educational technology.
I don't want to see the historic school buildings torn down as they have done in the past. I think they are still good for something. I have been doing some reading about the Fort Dodge area history and was very disappointed at how little of Fort Dodge's past remains. They are beautiful examples of history and architecture.
On the other hand, I know Fort Dodge is a little bit behind in the technology department. I have seen some of what other middle schools have and we are not nearly as equipped. I don't think that this is a huge concern because I believe that our teachers do a wonderful job with what they have. Now that I have seen what other schools are like I realize how lucky I was to go to Fort Dodge.
If educational technology is going to be a reason, then I would like to know how much it would cost the district to add new devices and resources to the existing classrooms. When the schools are facing such difficult economic times I wouldn't think that getting some more stuff or buying land and building a huge school would be a top priority. They should wait until they have more money to be sure they can complete the project and make it the best it can be. I don't think they did that when they built the new Butler Elementary School.
I have to ask...where is this money coming from? Didn't we just remodel Dodger Stadium and get new turf? That project was only completed with donations. Why are programs being cut and teachers leaving? I understand that it will be more efficient and cost less in the long run, but is this really the right time?
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