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The Dodgeville School Board voted this week on the initial steps for a November referendum to build an addition to the Dodgeville Elementary School (DES). The need for the addition has been discussed by the board since 2007 and recently several public listening sessions were held.
The board feels the timing is right for a building project now as the middle school debt will be paid off in 2012. The district can borrow $8 million without increasing the tax levy. The ultimate decision though is up to the voters.
One thing is for certain and that is DES is overcrowded and pushing almost 500 students, in a building that was built to hold about 400. Every available space in the building is in use. One way or another overcrowding needs to be addressed. Options to solve overcrowding include an addition, moving the early learning program out of the building or making grade centers at DES and Ridgeway.
For the board's part, the referendum isn't a decision they made lightly. I can't even count the meetings all the pro's and cons have been discussed. The economic times also weighed heavily in their decision.
Having covered several building projects and referendums over the years, it is very important that the public keep informed. Talk to board members, attend upcoming listening sessions and gather the information to make an informed decision.
The ultimate decision is in the voters' hands. It doesn't mater whether you support a building project or are opposed, but either way, it's important to make an decision based on the information available.