By Gregg Phillips, Lincoln Parish School Board President
On April 27th, the Lincoln Parish School Board will be requesting School District 1 voters to support a $17.5 million bond renewal. Without raising local taxes, we are asking for a five-year extension of the current property tax millage so we can make critically important improvements to address school safety, and to upgrade and improve facilities to provide comparable and equal access to all of our sports programs.
The need for safety in schools is something about which we are all too aware. Research shows that controlling access to schools and preventing the infiltration of non-students, weapons and dangerous substances is a critical step in preventing violent situations.
Our proposal includes additional fencing and gates, security upgrades at school entrances, and body scan machines for both Ruston Junior High and Ruston High.
These types of security measures have proven effective in other school systems, and have been under consideration for some time. With the impending opening of Buc-ee’s across from the junior high, and recent tragic events close to the high school, the time to invest in these security upgrades is now. Put simply, when it comes to school safety, there’s no room for compromise – better to be safe than sorry.
The School Board’s proposal also includes significant improvements to Ruston High School’s sports facilities.
Approximately 60% percent of all Ruston High students participate directly in one or more sports or sports-related activities, and the majority of the student population actively supports and participates in sports events. Sports and sports-related activities cut across all demographics and races, increase school pride and spirit, create a sense of belonging, and teach discipline and accountability.
Importantly, extensive research shows that a student’s involvement in sports contributes directly to improved academic performance and an increased likelihood of graduating. According to numerous studies, including one by the National Federation of State High School Associations, students who engage in high school athletics outperform non-athletes in academic settings. They have higher GPA’s, score higher on standardized testing, and have lower rates of absenteeism and dropping out.
Sports activities also keep students, families and the community engaged in productive activities that extend beyond the normal school day, teach life skills and lessons, and create community pride.
Investing in new and improved sports facilities benefits the majority of all students at Ruston High School and will provide equal facilities and access for all boys’ and girls’ sports and sports-related programs. Equal programs and access for both males and females is mandated by law, and is simply the right thing to do.
We have a great school district. The Lincoln Parish School system is “A rated,” and was recently ranked the #2 district in the state by Niche, one of the nation’s top school ranking organizations. But maintaining our ranking as an “A rated” school system requires constant investment in our school facilities and academic programs.
Contrary to some community misperceptions, the School Board does not have cash resources to pay for the proposed improvements out of current funds.
Here are the facts about our budget:
- 46% of our budget is dedicated to specific expenses and cannot be used for other purposes.
- 32% is committed to covering necessary major capital repairs and improvements to existing facilities and equipment.
- 17% is set aside to meet the three-month reserve requirement recommended by school finance experts and auditors to cover potential major, but unanticipated, expenses.
- 5% is uncommitted and available to fund day-to-day expenses or new projects that come up. This uncommitted amount (approximately $3.5 million) is well short of the funding needed to complete the proposed upgrades to security and sports facilities, and could leave day-to-day operating expenses unfunded.
Issuing a bond is the most efficient, cost-effective way to fund the proposed improvements, and doing so will not increase local taxes. The current annual cost to District 1 homeowners, which will not change, is $167.50 per $100,000 of home market value.
Keeping our schools on a path of continuous improvement is vital to the educational well-being of all our students and is critical to the continued economic growth of our community. Quality schools are a key factor in attracting new residents and businesses to Lincoln Parish.
As School Board President, I want to assure local taxpayers that the Lincoln Parish School Board takes our responsibility to manage your money very seriously.
The upgrades and improvements we are proposing have been thoroughly evaluated, and we believe they are a sound investment of the people’s money in the future of our schools, our students, our community and our local economy, and we are asking for your support.
Please vote yes on April 27.
