Vote "Yes" on Nov. 5th for Farmington School Bonds

I am a long-time Farmington resident, and I will be voting YES for the FPS Bond. Here’s why.

 First, it’s essential to keep our community appealing to potential new residents.  Citizens in neighboring communities have approved bonds.  We must protect the value of our homes by ensuring that the schools in Farmington are well-maintained and safe.

Although I no longer have a school-age child, in a way, the children who attend Farmington Schools are all our children – and our responsibility.  The average homeowner in our cities will pay an increase of $ 9 - $12 a month to finance both proposals.  Most of us could spare that from our budgets. This amount is a small price to pay to insure our children get the safe schools they deserve.

If you’re skeptical about some element of the curriculum, have concerns about big government, or dislike a recent decision of the Board of Ed., don’t let this influence the way you vote on this issue. The fact is that the average Farmington school building is almost 50 years old. Regardless of our personal politics, pipes will rust, roofs will leak, technology will become obsolete, and buildings will continue to age.  The improvements the bond will allow are not frills but essentials.

If the bond is not passed, money for repairs will have to be taken from the general fund, and, therefore, taken away from instructional programs.  The shrinking state per pupil allocation has already strained the budget.  If the bond fails, the quality of the education we offer Farmington children will be affected.

 If you voted against the bond the first time, please reconsider.  Acting in good faith, the Board has reduced the amount of bond by $35.8 MILLION dollars. Now, it’s time to show ours.  Vote yes on November 5th.

 Mary E. Brown