On Aug. 5, Victoria voters will have the opportunity to participate in an historic event. For the first time, USD 432 is placing a school bond issue in the amount of $3.5 million before its voters. This money is to be used for drastically needed improvements to its facilities. A "yes" vote will enable our district to move forward with items that are otherwise beyond its means.

Over the past few years, declining enrollment and restructured ways of school funding have placed our district in serious financial straits. Escalating costs also factor into the equation. Despite conservative spending, present funds are not sufficient to provide for the needs represented in the bond proposal. Voters who examine the proposed items will find that they are neither frivolous nor extravagant.

One of the proposed primary improvements will be the construction of a new wing that will house a science classroom and a handicapped-accessible lunchroom facility. Currently, VHS students attend class in the original science lab built in 1950. Common sense would tell us that what was considered quality space and equipment at that time would be vastly different today. None of us choose to live with 50-year-old equipment and surroundings; neither should we allow this for our students. Other items including elevators needed for ADA compliance and a grade school roof certainly don't fall under the category of luxuries. We know none of these things is ever going to be cheaper -- putting off the inevitable will only add to the price tag eventually.

Victoria people are known for their wise financial management as well as their ability to plan for the future; hopefully, they will see this proposal as a prudent investment in the future of the district, the students, staff and community at large.

Nancy Piatt

Victoria