Following a Board of Education meeting on Dec. 9 to update the status of the Bennett Middle School project and to highlight the importance of moving forward with the project now, the Wicomico County Council is scheduled to discuss the project in an open work session at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. The meeting will be held in Room 301 of the Government Office Building in Salisbury.
Board of Education President Ron Willey updated the community on the project in a statement, and encouraged county residents to share their thoughts on the project with the County Council, which will make the decision on whether to allow the project to move forward. Input can be shared at Council meetings and by emailing countycouncil@wicomicocounty.org.
"Recent events bring renewed focus on the importance of finding a way to fund the Bennett Middle School replacement project," Willey said. "The Board of Education is encouraged by the willingness of our County Council members to meet with members of the School Building Commission, the County Executive and members of his staff to revisit the decision about the future of the Bennett Middle School project. We were pleased that many interested community members were also present. The purpose of this meeting was to share updated information about increased funding from the state and to consider options for the project.
"The Board of Education requested this meeting because the time for a decision on this project is less than one month away. As noted at the meeting, we now have unprecedented state funding support for this project. The state funding cost share formula is at 96 percent (of eligible construction costs), the highest-ever in our county and in Maryland. As a result of this and other redesigning factors, the project cost is now reduced by $8 million and could be lower should a second option be chosen.
"Wicomico County will suffer a severe setback to our educational system should this project fail to move forward. We have every reason to believe that our present funding position at the state level would be quickly filled by another county if we choose to delay this project another year. Losing our "place in line" will result in the delay of the Bennett Middle project for years to come. We can not and must not let this become a reality.
"I encourage citizens county-wide and especially those in schools directly affected by this project to share your support with our elected officials. All too often they hear from a vocal minority and not the silent majority. Express your opinion about this now. In this busy season, take a minute to call, write or email the offices of our County Council members and county executive. We can find a way to move this project forward if we have the will to do so."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Lets spend some more money we don't have! They have learned nothing. What a bunch of idiots. This is what happens when a bunch of good old boys try to run a growing county. We need a little shock therapy to get back to reality.
ReplyDeleteLet's make something very clear here.
ReplyDeleteWicomico County has plenty of BORROWING power and plenty of room to BORROW the money to build this school.
However, Wicomico County cannot afford to pay back the money without a major tax increase, something very few can afford right now.
Build it and build it NOW.
ReplyDeleteBuild Bennett Middle after ALL of the other county schools issues have been addressed. Other schools have needs also and the strong arming of a few is really getting old.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be built. Smart money says sooner than later. That's just the way it is. There is no way it makes sense to anyone with half a brain to delay the project an loose the State and Federal money. This is the best deal possible and will not be turned down.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame if they do approve it when other schools need much more than Bennett Middle and the other schools never seem to even be looked at. WE cannot afford more taxes on top of more taxes. Enough is enough already.
ReplyDeleteyeah, anyone been to east salisbury, lately? it is just as bad as bennett middle.
ReplyDeletebennett middle is GOLD PLATED. that is why we cannot afford it. Just build a school that does not want 8 to 12 computers per classroom and 2 smartboards and projectors. that is totally unnecessary. its called living conservatively, we do it at home, how come Government cannot? cause they dont spend their own money.
people should be able to see the architectural design and materials for that school. IT IS OVER THE TOP.
Bennett HS cost the county $30,000 extra because the design called for 2 transformers from delmarva power, not the usual one. totally unnecessary.
@10:59.....What other schools need much more than Bennett Middle? The place is about to fall down! It will have to be removed
ReplyDeleteeventually anyway or the Bennett High project will not be completed. I was told if they don't rebuild BMS the students will be dispatched to other middle schools (SMS, Wi Middle). These schools are already at or exceeding capacity. If the state is willing to fund 96% of the project, it seems like a no-brainer.
10:52...what you fail to realize is that just because the state/fed are going to fund most of the project, that's still our taxes paying. We need to halt the out of control spending that we don't have. I for one don't want anymore tax increases, because that's exactly what you will get, if this goes through. There are other ways to make this work out for everybody, except of course the deep pockets with hidden agendas.
ReplyDeleteTo make an informed opinion, one should tour BMS after touring JMB and then decide if the middle school is "up to snuff." Since the two schools were built at about the same time, it would make sense that we need a new BMS now that we have replaced the high school. Take a tour and see for yourself; then come back here and still insist that the middle school is all right.
ReplyDelete12:54p My opinion only: The question here at issue is can the county afford to build BMS and not if one needs to be built. I'm not in a position to say yes or no since I don't know all the financial ins and outs of the county. For instance over how many years can this be spread out to, what is the interest rate on the money borrowed and what are the pay back costs which affect the county's operating budget. Ok, so let's say they borrow the money but then have to cut expenses for the operating budget for the schools to pay back the debt. Who wins then. We can't let emotions guide this issue. Hopefully those making the decision will use facts and common sense.
ReplyDelete11:19, 10:52 does realize, as do many others, that your tax dollars are going to be used, period. If not by us, then by some other district in the state. You won't get a rebate, and the amount of tax you pay will not go down. It's wishful thinking and quite naive to believe otherwise. Let's take the grants and get this done. Perhaps the council could tweak the plans so that we aren't building the taj mahal, but let's stop this whining, bite the bullet and JUST DO IT.
ReplyDeleteOoookay...so 12:35 say's "just do it"! Here is prime example of what's wrong in this country.....
ReplyDeleteYou got it right 2:35. The money has been earmarked for education. If Wicomico doesn't use it, they loose it. Aside from the fact thet the current bond rating is at the most favorable rate ever, this project makes sense to begin NOW, without further delay.
ReplyDeleteThere goes the tax cap!
ReplyDeleteAs usual most of the work on the school will be done by out of town contractors
ReplyDeleteanonymous 3:33, This is what makes me SICK about wet pants liberals.
ReplyDeleteWicomico County can't afford it. I want you to think long and hard about this. This may be the LAST structure Wicomico County will be able to buy in the next 30 years. Is THIS what you really want?
As a businessman, I say, build a new Civic Center that brings in revenue, NOT a school that can be remodeled for 1/10th of the cost.
Always put good money after good money. Bennett is not good money, not right now anyway. When times are better and people are making money again, so be it. I don't care if the interest rate is 0%, we cannot afford it, PERIOD.
You are so dumb Joe. One thing has nothing to do with the other. Build a new Civic Center? Really?? Pelnty of people are working. The County CAN afford this. They are only on the hook for a minor interest in the total amount. That money set aside for this project by the State and Fed will be GONE if there is any delay. Truth is no matter how much you cry, whine or stomp your feet, the Middle School will be built. My source tells me it's a done deal and some infastructure has already been completed. Construction starts this summer, like it or not. I for one am glad it is finally being done.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 4:28, dumb, eh? Let's see, I retired at 40 years old, YOU?
ReplyDeleteYou must have read Susan Parker's Editorial in the Daily Times, believing Wicomico County will only have to pay 4% of the overall project, right????
Well, Idiot, it will cost the taxpayers around $48,000,000.00. Is the school going to cost over a billion and that's how the Daily Times comes up with their 4% ?
You have a structure there that was built to last for a good 200 years. Remodel it and keep the structure in place. If you want a better school, move to Montgomery County.
I don't care how much it costs-I am willing to do my part. The current BMS is in horrible condition. Our children deserve a decent building.
ReplyDeleteI have spoken with people that actually do work on the building and yes, it does have issues. But the structure is sound and what needs attention can be repaired or improved. Spending $75M verus-say $10M for repairs and improvements makes more sense. Come on people..you have to get out of this spend,spend,spend attitude before it too late. Tomorrow is promised to nobody!
ReplyDeleteWe have Wi-Middle looks like it was built in the 20s and has repair issues,WiHi has issues that they wont address so where's the money for their repairs-there is'nt any but they want to build a new school.
ReplyDeleteJoe is absolutely right in his assessment of BMS - being more economically feasible to remodel - as opposed to spending money that we just do not have to build a new one.
ReplyDeleteAnd 4:28 - you need to take a reality pill. FYI - Wicomico's income tax collections are down yet again from $41.2 million to 37.2 million or negative about 4 million. Our property tax collections are also down as a result of the deepening recession.
We know - because SBYnews has published time and time again that our local business base has declined dramatically - (Crown Cork, Dresser, Power-wave many many more two numerous to mention).
Sales tax collections are also dramatically down as a result of our poor economy.
Then - we have the State moving in a direction to require the local municipalities to pay a portion of the teachers pensions. This alone will add millions to an unfunded account.
AND YOU WANT TO BUILD A NEW SCHOOL?