Practically Speaking
Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers' perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.
Academics, not Athletics
Why $21 million dollars for gymnasiums and other facilities for
athletes? I am OK to fix up or replace the schools, but any money for
new athletic facilities should come directly from the parents who feel
this is important. The average taxpayer should not be requested to pay
millions so a few kids can play basketball and volleyball. We already
have adequate athletic facilities. Most high schools serving 2600 kids
don't have 8 gym stations.
It is interesting that the last failed referendum permitted one to vote
down the new gym facilities separately, and now, realizing the
opposition to the gyms, they thought it was better to include it with
the academic package. I think that is a pretty clear indication that
they did not think the 6 new gymnasiums had any chance at all if they
were separated. Vote NO until the Board presents a reasonable option.
- Vote new schools, Brookfield
Actually, if you review the proposed plans, they want to add 88,865
sq feet of gyms and related space. In addition to the 45 % increase of
direct gym space, they want to add gym lobby, gym storage, and locker
rooms. 97.4% of the NEW construction at both schools is related to
athletics / gym space. The only non-athletic addition is a small
security entrance at both schools, and 1,900 sq ft of special education
space at Brookfield Central. If you consider that they now have at
least 68,413 sq ft of gym / athletic space at both schools, adding the
proposed 80,000+ square feet is more than doubling the athletic space
presently available. They do propose to reclaim a small percentage of
"old gym space" for academic use. Note also, they recognize substantial
REDUCTION of students over the next 10-30 years.
I am not sure the "remodel project" should be mostly about new space
for athletes. I love our athletic programs, but I think we need to
focus on academics. $21 million may be too much for our high school
athletes.
Please review their plans yourself at the Elmbrook Schools website.
Link to High School plans: (Note plans are filed under "needs and solutions" not under "conceptual architect plans).
http://www.elmbrookschools.org/display/9486.nws
- Eaglewatch, Brookfield
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