Opinion: Bond proposal preserves expectation of success

Before you make any judgments regarding this op-ed piece, let me make it perfectly clear that this is about self-preservation.

On April 4, those of us in the Springfield school district will have the opportunity to vote for or against a school bond issue that will have a big impact on our community.

I have personally listened to people’s reactions to the matters related to this ballot proposal and believe we need to support this bond.

Proposition SPS calls for a 24-cent increase to the district’s debt service levy. It would be phased in over two years, 12 cents in 2017 and 12 cents the following year. For the average homeowner, that translates to an additional $23 the first year and $46 each year beginning in 2018.

This would fund Phase I of a long-range plan that calls for the district to upgrade, improve and build new schools, addressing some of the most critical needs first.

I know that an average cash outflow of approximately $4 a month is a lot for many people to bear. At the same time, I also feel that we need to continue to create an educational environment capable of establishing and maintaining successful outcomes for our teachers and our students.

If we want to succeed in life, we must create an environment where success is expected. We cannot set our sights lower than being the best. Lower goals lead to lower performance, and we cannot afford that.

Without a doubt, this proposal sets a high bar and asks for commitment from the whole community. From past performance, Springfield has demonstrated it is up to the task.

I understand that education is about choice: the choice to invest in it; the choice to participate in it; the choice to benefit from it; and the choice to ignore or disinvest from it.

I choose to commit to helping make possible an educational environment that inspires teachers and students to perform at their highest capabilities. This is what Proposition SPS is all about.

Pride in our educational system can be a strong motivator, and it is critical in creating a competitive advantage for all of us.

I encourage you to vote “yes” on April 4.

John P. Stack is treasurer of the Quality Schools for Kids campaign.