Normally I read only, but this consolidation issue needs addressed forcibly. Here are facts for Marion county tax payers. SPHS burnt in 1964 & rebuilt from insurance compensation on the very same piece of property. The SPES burnt & rebuilt on the very same piece of property. All the students,parents & teachers adjusted to the loss realizing progress for each building project was forthcoming.
The property that the current football field occupies was donated by the city. The practice field was donated by the city. The baseball field property was donated by Lodge Mfg. Both football field houses were Not financed by the county or school board. The upgrades at the softball & baseball fields were not financed by the tax payers or county school board.
Now here are several disturbing facts for the tax payers.
Jasper has received 3 new schools since SPHS was built. Now the 4th is in the planning stages. Yes, the new school scheduled will replace the current school that was built years after SPHS. Reportedly JMS is a dump but no one has answered some common core questions! How did it get to be a dump years before it should have? Who is responsible for the neglect of this building? What & where is the possible renovation estimate for the JMS? What known elementary, middle or high school has a 25 acre campus?
The Jasper supporters are asking for 25 acres for the proposed Jasper Middle School. The request is also for a new football facility and lord only knows what else at a reported price of 22 Million Dollars. The Marion County School Board once owned 90 acres where the Jasper Elementary now sets. Acreage not used was reportedly given to the City of Jasper. The proposed new JMS 25 acre campus has to be purchased from some land owner. The City of Jasper reportedly will not give the property or any portion of it back to build the reportedly much needed school!
An architect has provided a 40+ Million estimate for a consolidated high school. County sales tax is maxed, so that leaves only 1 avenue to get funding for either building project, much higher property taxes! BTW, SPHS, now obviously the oldest school could use some updates but a major portion of the original tile flooring is in remarkably good condition for a 50+ year old!
Some complain, the maintenance department is to blame for the poor condition of the JES. Huge and very important questions immediately surfaces, Why, How & Who is really responsible? It is glaringly obvious there is or has been a serious lack of accountability.
As an avid SPHS supporter, I see the enrollment increases at South Pittsburg High School. The argument that parents are seeing the advantages of smaller schools is easily recognized.
In closing, The importance of rivalries & athletics has been called into question. Rivalries are needed for successful athletic programs and vital to all schools. My class was a part of a very successful run. It was common for students to quit school & take jobs. Players often worked to pass only to stay in school just to play football or basketball. Three classmates became ineligible due to age, two of the three quit school after football season. I had the pleasure of having breakfast with several members of my 1972 class Saturday at the Cracker Barrel. The 100+ 1972 class produced 3 doctors, many successful career professionals. One doctor is known nationally as a top brain trauma physician specializing in blunt trauma deaths and Dean at Emory University. I can proudly say, SPHS has, does and will continue to provide a quality education with a close family type atmosphere for students to be successful and have memories of close friends and often times great experiences & athletic achievements.
Johnny Stone, GO PIRATES & GO VOLS