PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Over the past four (4) weeks I have tried to provide the facts about how the facility needs of the Adair County Schools are determined. In addition, information about school district funding, financing of school construction and the school district's role in economic development have been provided. In this article I want to do a personal reflection on the facility issue and my reasons for avidly promoting the nickel tax.
I grew up in a rural community and went to an eight (8) room elementary with about 200 students. My high school was much larger --- about 275 students. My parents and one grandfather were teachers and my other grandfather was a dairy farmer.
From the ‘60s until the late ‘90s, I was heavily involved in farming. At one time or another during those years I raised from 5 to 40 acres of tobacco, milked 100+ cows, raised beef cattle, pepper and tomatoes and custom baled 25,000 - 30,000 bales of hay per year.
I have now been in the field of education for 38.5 years during which time I have worked at every level and at most of the jobs within a school system. I have also been in the ministry for 21 years. I have been a pastor for 18 years and currently pastor at Russell Heights Baptist Church here in Columbia.
I share my background to let you know I came to Adair County in 2003 because the community and school system were compatible with my background. Even though I could retire, I continue to work because I have a passion for the students.
It is regrettable that a school system has to have taxes to operate. However, except for a very few grants, the budget depends on federal, state and local tax dollars to operate. We do not manufacture a product except our future workers and leaders.
We do not sell anything except hope for the future.
My entire adult life has been spent trying to help others. Neither the Board members nor I stand to gain anything personally from a facilities tax. While the citizens of Adair County all stand to gain in the long run, it is really the children that will be themain beneficiaries.
Not taking the time to vote is in effect a vote against better facilities for our children. I urge everyone to vote next Tuesday, December 15 for our children.