Approve Blue Springs school bonds
The Blue Springs School District wants to make its buildings safer, and voters should take advantage of the opportunity to make that happen.
The Star recommends a “yes” vote on a $20 million bond issue on the April 2 ballot.
About 70 percent of the money would be used to build more secure entrances at seven elementary schools, four middle schools and the freshman center. The bonds would not require a tax increase.
The district wants to make sure all visitors must go immediately into the front office. Currently, visitors at some schools enter into hallways that take them to classrooms.
These upgrades are another cheerless commentary on how much public pressure is on schools to keep children safe with bulletproof glass, panic buttons and other protective devices. Blue Springs officials point out their proposed changes were approved by a citizens group and were in the works before the Sandy Hook massacre late last year.
A portion of the bonds would be used to replace wood chips at many elementary school playgrounds with safer artificial turf surfaces. Multipurpose facilities at three elementary schools also would be improved. The freshman center’s science labs and media center would be upgraded.
School district supporters have approved two dozen bond issues over the last 30 or so years. They have built a strong school system that well serves 14,000 children. The April 2 election gives voters the chance to continue that record of success.
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