School board members Sandy Ehrlich and Dean Nardone expressed concern over the lack of community support they're receiving for the "unofficial" board decision to build a state-of-the-art middle school. Mr. Nardone informed his colleagues that he's heard "rumblings" about not only the cost of a new school, but also about the educational program, the house concept, currently in effect. While personally he's "very excited about the prospect of a new middle school," he wants assurance from the community that the final plan the school board puts forth is what the community wants. "I haven't heard this," said Mr. Nardone.

Mrs. Ehrlich echoed his sentiments. "We're floating a lot of stuff out there," she said, noting that she's not getting too much positive feedback from residents who've communicated with her. She pointed out that the timeline for the entire long range plan is tight, noting too that the decisions have been made "painfully," over a long period of time. "We need to hear that the community will approve a bond that will be used, in part, to build a new middle school."

Board member Dr. Roy Nelson commented that there's "no exactly right answer, on this." Speaking of those residents in favor of two middle schools, he said he knows "their hearts are in the right places."

Board President Bob Scheer pointed out that "every scenario" had been thought of over the past year and a half. He appears to be confident that once the board explains how it arrived at its recommendations, the public will support the entire plan. "We can't continue with the way our facilities are now. We're going to have to spend money."

An informational piece on the long-range facilities plan being contemplated by the board should be mailed next week, Mr. Scheer advised. He said he also hopes residents attend the public hearing scheduled on March 16 at Sousa.

A scenario using two middle schools, one at Weber and one at Sousa, was also briefly discussed. This plan would still involve construction of a new school, albeit a smaller, elementary school.

An audience member asked Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Inserra what the cost differential between the two scenarios would be. He replied for the one including a new middle school, the estimate is $70 million. Using an 18 percent state aid reduction, a 25 year bond for this amount for a home with an assessed valuation of $10,000 would be $350 per year. The Sousa and Weber middle school scenario's bond estimate is $55 million, translating to $274.26 per year.

One resident asked, "What if the bond fails?" Dr. Inserra replied that a second bond issue could be put up for a vote in 90 days. However, if the plan had to be substantially modified, it would mean a three to six month delay in order to redesign the plan and essentially a full year before construction could begin. A domino effect would ensue, postponing projects slated to begin in 2001 to 2002 and 2002 to 2003 and so on.

Several residents offered their opinions.

David Stromm commented that while he's in favor of a new middle school, he can't see support for a $70 million bond.

Dr. Hyman, a 40-year-resident, reported that his "ground readings" also indicate a lack of support for a new middle school. He thinks the board should be conservative, and not "throw the dice out all the way." A large bond "won't fly," in his view, and the "children will suffer." He suggests "refurbishing and expanding rather than new construction," but also thinks the district should purchase the 41 acres and mothball it for the future.

Marcy Zack suggested that the board stress the reasons for the new middle school from "an educational standpoint."

However, Susie DeLuca said she is strongly opposed to the middle school's "house system," currently employed by the district. She reported that two of her daughters had gone through the middle grades in a junior high school educational configuration and had very positive experiences. However, another of her children is currently in the middle school, and Mrs. DeLuca is not happy with it. "Look at the program, before we spend money," she cautioned.

While recognizing that the facilities need improvement, Mrs. DeLuca also told the board that she's not in support of a "massive" bond issue.

In support of a new middle school was Gail Thorpe. "Weber as a middle school is not going to work. It's unacceptable." she stated. To split the middle school into two, "is ridiculous," she added.

She also pointed out that only a small population of the student enrollment would benefit from a new elementary school. Whereas a new middle school would give an advantage to more students.