Vote YES August 6th -- Support our students

I write to encourage you to vote "yes" on the upcoming bond vote on August 6th. As a mother of three children who attended Farmington Public Schools, employee of the district, and former college administrator and instructor, I have a good understanding, and can tell you, the way students learn has changed dramatically. Today’s optimal learning requires collaboration, use of technology, and varied learning environments to prepare our students for college and careers.  Ask anyone in business and they can share how their workplace has changed. Our students need these skills and an environment that is consistent with advanced studies and the workplace.

It is important that each person become fully aware of the facts.  The way a bond works is that these funds cannot be used for teacher salaries and general operating expenses.  HOWEVER, the bond will be used for critical safety and security upgrades, technology enhancements, upgrades to learning environments and infrastructure upgrades.  Using bond monies for these essential improvements

will free up money that would otherwise have to be covered by the general fund. These cost savings, including subsequent lower maintenance and energy costs, can then be used for direct support of our valuable students. This can be a very sizable chunk of money.

Neighboring districts have passed their own sizable bonds. Even if you are only looking at your cost, looking at an average $10 per month, to have a strong school district that will attract more families to our district, be able to compete with neighboring districts who passed their bonds to improve the quality of their schools, is a small price to pay, if only for the resale value of your home. Of utmost importance is to provide a quality learning environment and the necessary technology tools for our students. 

We cannot afford to devalue our schools and our community.  Please join me in voting YES on Tuesday, August 6.

Polly Bachrouche, PhD LPC