Here we go again with another “Taj Mahal” named after that illustrious superintendent of schools (and why isn’t one such edifice enough?).
Like that new “senior high” on College Avenue, this monstrosity will no doubt be built by the Whiting Turner firm from the western shore – a major player in Maryland politics – at a cost of millions more than the taxpayers need to spend to replace the Bennett Middle School.
The estimated cost is so great that the Board of Ed. paid thousands of dollars for a study – made, would you believe, by the same firms that designed the project – about possible cost reduction, such as using poured concrete rather than “pavers” for walkways, and the grass covered roofing. But the Board decided not to eliminate any aspect of the gross waste of money.
Please contact anyone you know on the Wicomico County Council, which is going to consider whether to proceed with this project at its meeting on Tuesday, March 1.
It’s not about whether a new school should be built, but rather about wasting millions to build it.
8 comments:
As I stated in a previous post, I do not object to the scope of this project. Compared to most new schools that are being built across our nation, this one is no more excessive.
Our kids need an institution that will give them the tools to compete in a global economy. Why build a facility that is just "average".
Come on folks, our kids deserve the best.
I will be writing the council to show my support of this project.
When I see a lot of the students going into that school each morning and leaving during the day, many of them look like they could really care less if they even go to school at all. Just yesterday, three of them walked right out in front of my car (not at a crossing walk) and they glared at me like "how dare you!"
Any project of this magnitude should be put up for a public referendum - like in Sussex Delaware.
And as far a being able to compete in a global economy - you had better take a look at what has transpired here locally. What economy? There is no manufacturing left. If our kids couldn't compete after the Thornton Commission through everything but kitchen sink - money wise - into the education budget - then we have some real serious problems. Another gold plated school is going to help us as there are other fundamentals to consider first.
Let's get everyone to go to www.fbo.gov and press the buttons at the right hand side of all opportunities open for bid. Look through that list of the Government spending ARRA money on itself and beautifying its own buildings, adding new buildings and just plain pleasing itself.
Then look to see how many of these projects are up for bid, or are they just an announcement that they are merely an extension of existing contracts that cannot be bid competitively.
It will make you sick. 1.5 mil here, 3.5 mil there, and on and on into infinity.
You cut out this BS, and you'll have enough money for this school and pay back a couple trillion of the debt too.
You leave this crap happening, and we're all going to be deeply in debt beyond recovery real soon.
Oh, and all these jobs that are up for bid require 100% bonding. Joe the Plumber won't qualify, and neither will all the recently laid off starting their own businesses. These jobs are catered to unions and big business.
Write your representatives and defund these pet projects so we might survive.
My two cents says education is a very important tool for our children. These new schools in Wicomico County is / was poorly planned. They were designed and locations were to benefit certain individuals / groups and not the Tax Payer getting the most for their buck. They could have both Schools and a Great sports complex on the property that is on College Ave. The planners wants the appearance without the substance. They also want to profit from their deals without the common sense as to what is best for the students. It is what the building contains and not the outer design. Politians and Educators wants to have something visible to say " Look At What I Have Accomplished". Visibility is everything to these vain Individuals. Not viable accomplishments. 40% of High School Grads as a whole cannot past aptitude test past 6th grade and get a piace of paper saying they graduated High School. Politians and Educators do nothing to say "look At What I Have Improved. Look At What The Public Has Benefitted From. Look at Progress We Have Accomplished." This is because it is not visible. Look at Salisbury University in the last ten years as an example. It is known now as the "Party University" not for their Academics. Their Diplomas have and still is losing Academic credibility. These individuals need to be fired for incompetent leadership, dereliction of duty and poor job performance.
building dont mean JACK. its quality of teachers that matter, not walls fool. wake up, our problem is not REALLY buildings, its GARBAGE teaching and Double GARBAGE PARENTING.
having said that, grass on a roof is just ridiculous and so is the gold plated designs.
Build the school. I went to that dump. It was bad 15 years ago. I can't imagine what's breeding in those walls now. The new school doesn't need to be spectacular but something needs to be done.
I'm with Eddie. The newness of a building or the amenities within mean nothing on a resume. How about if we actually teach them something? When my kids were in school, many days when I asked what they did, they said, "we watched movies." I work with a lot of young people and the reading levels and vocabulary is deplorable. Grass roofs will not teach reading skills, and reading is essential to competing.
We want new and better just to say that we are as good as other places, and don't seem to mind that the overall quality of the education that we produce is declining.
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