OPINION: Trustee explains what Bigfork will get if levy is approved

As a trustee of Bigfork Public Schools, I have the benefit of being a part of the school’s regular business and success. Our schools are functioning at very high levels; our community holds high standards for our students and staff and they will continue to see great results.

Over the past few years, Bigfork High School has been celebrated for having the valley’s highest graduation rates and test scores as well as celebrating many athletic accomplishments. Frequent student reports to the board also showcase great work through GIS, Cave Club, science trips, language immersion experiences and many others. To those of us who are involved, our students and staff give us a lot to be proud of every day.

Our facilities on the other hand, have room for improvement. The last significant addition to the high school was nearly 50 years ago. Much has changed since 1968 and the Board of Trustees unanimously agrees that renovating and adding core instructional space is long overdue. We have explored and reviewed and, as a board, support the following recommendations, from staff, architects and community members:

—Eight new classrooms (allows all high school classes to be moved from the middle school to the high school and eliminates converted classroom spaces and other inadequately sized classrooms).

—Upgraded science labs.

—Expanded band room.

—Upgraded locker rooms (to the east of gym).

—Improved special-education areas and facilities.

—Increased common area spaces.

—Provide cafeteria/lunch facility.

—Add two office spaces.

—Add choir facility.

—Add computer facility.

—Upgrade auto/wood shop.

—Upgrade/expand gymnasium.

—Library/media room relocated to main level.

—Bus barn and bus parking off-site.

—Accomplish all deferred maintenance projects.

New spaces will primarily be used as science classrooms, science laboratories, math/English classrooms, and a band room. New locker rooms will be added to the east side of the gymnasium, and the library will be moved to the main floor, on the west side of the gymnasium. The library will be separated from the gymnasium by a slightly expanded commons area. The commons area will also receive a food serving area. The deferred maintenance in the shop, gymnasium and existing classrooms will also be completed.

In closing, I hope that you can find that this bond proposal request is a sound proposal founded by input from a broad spectrum of 25 local community members.

We spent three full days working together to explore every option available. Through the course of two months, the community was invited to attend our meetings so that the board could hear the public’s wishes and concerns prior to casting my vote to put this issue onto a ballot.

During my attendance at the public forums, I was specifically looking for input from people who oppose or question our proposal. I heard comments from one individual that suggested spending money wisely on necessities and not on frivolous exterior “cladding.” I completely agreed. Additionally, I neither received nor heard of any outspoken opposition to the proposed improvement and dollar amount associated. Therefore I believe we arrived at a reasonable and palatable dollar amount in exchange for the most return.

Finally, I am confident that regardless of the outcome of this ballot issue request, Bigfork High School will continue to produce a student learning environment that surpasses expectations and our counterparts in other districts by continuing to hold our teachers and students to the highest standards.

Zack Anderson is a resident of Bigfork.