In Bellwood, discussions and plans regarding the Myers Elementary School expansion project have been ongoing.
Recently, Superintendent of Schools, G. Brian Toth, shared his views on the project with Bellwood-Antis community members.
This is not a decision that was entered into lightly, as much work has gone into the project. With that in mind, Toth wanted to share reasons for the expansion with the community, and hopefully answer some of the common questions many concerned citizens have.
According to Toth, the main reason for the expansion is that the building no longer has the capacity to serve the number of elementary students or the programs at that level.
Toth said, “We are over crowded at Myers. All rooms are being utilized and adequate space no longer exists.”
Some students and teachers even have to work in the halls at times.
“The education programs at Myers Elementary are outstanding and we need to keep these continuing,” said Toth.
Also, the district recently implemented an extension of the school day for kindergarten students.
Currently, Bellwood-Antis is the only school district in Blair County not offering all-day kindergarten classes. The extended hour kindergarten classes are only a temporary solution, which will eventually transition into all-day classes, which are educationally beneficial to students at this age level. In order to implement the full-day program, additions to the building must be completed.
“We have no more rooms for the students,” said Toth. “We are placed under Federal mandates and state standards that we must adhere to, even at the kindergarten level, thus, we need to move to all day kindergarten to complete all the needed curriculum requirements.
Toth said, school expectations today are not what they were 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Elementary schools are not exempt from state and federal requirements.
“Currently, we are doing the best we can to meet the requirements but change is needed to do the job we are charged to do,” said Toth.
As rumors and questions spread about what will happen when it comes time to begin work on the project, Toth said he wanted to dispel some of the myths about the building project.
“First,” said Toth, “we are not implementing any pre-school programs and we are not building a multi-million dollar football complex.”
The intent is to build only what is needed.
“I like football too, but we do not have the capacity nor does football relate to meeting state and federal education standards,” said Toth.
The area where the school is located is very land locked and the design selected for the expansion minimizes the impact on space, while maintaining a kid-friendly atmosphere.
“However, we may still lose enough space that would cause us to need to build baseball and softball fields, nothing more,” said Toth.
He explained the reason for building softball fields is because it is required what is done for boys must also be done for girls.
“This is called Title IX, a federal law,” said Toth. “If we do not need to do this, we will not. Our intent is to only borrow enough money to complete the expansion of the elementary school.”
He explained during the construction, needs will be assessed before more funds are borrowed.
“We will be frugal, but we will not be shortchanging the kids.”
Another question that arose is whether or not additional tax funds will be needed.
“Yes they are,” said Toth, “However, please keep things in perspective. Taxes are based on the assessed value of your property, not what you could sell your property for today.
“The median assessed value of properties in the district, as determined by the Blair County assessment office (for Act 72) was about $8,130. Most properties are below this amount.”
He continued to explain that one mill of taxes would cost this property owner an additional $8.13 annually. At the total building need increase of 15 mills, which will be broken down to five mills each year for three years, not all at once, the property owner would have an increase of $121.95 annually or $10.17 per month.
“If one mill for this property owner is $8.13, then how many mills does it take to fill their car with gas, buy groceries, go to the movies, attend a B-A football game or the annual play or buys presents at Christmas,” asked Toth.
“I look at this as an investment in our future.”
He concluded by saying, “We appreciate the strong community and parents’ support that we receive. We hope to have your continued support as we embark upon this project for our elementary students.”
