(Fwd) Re: [Vision2020] Smoke and Mirrors

[Michael Curley]

Phil:
You make a leap of logic that isn't accurate here.  Yes, he was asked
to do a comparable building at the existing site.  That does not mean
that he could not reuse anything in the current structure, state of
the art or otherwise.  He was given no such instruction.  And, to the
contrary of your assertion, I recall that certain parts of the
structure would be retained.  That is, they didn't plan on leveling
the entire structure and starting from scratch.  

If your point is that there should ALSO have been a "remodel only"
estimate, okay.  But, as much as you blame others for ignoring your
questions, I have to say that I mentioned to you several posts ago
that it isn't quite as simple as saying "give us a remodel figure." 
You'd have to tell the architect, just for example, what you want in
the way of a band room, the cafeteria, and science labs (all of which
are significantly inadequate now).  If you aren't going to make them
consistent with current design and construction standards, how do you
want them?  There are a practical infinity of possible packages that
could have been requested.  

But, more significant than that, doing band aid maintenance or half-
assed remodel now is just wasting YOUR MONEY and mine.  I know some
people don't want to move the HS to another site. Fine.  But I sure
don't want to waste my tax dollars on having to continually repair a
building (and the HS isn't the only one of course) that is
educationally inadequate and a money pit to maintain.  I want the 
best
bang for my buck.  And a significant part of that is the practical
longevity of the building for the purpose for which it is constructed
or remodeled.  I would be happy to participate with you in a study by
a competent architect to look at the HS and tell us whether we get 
the
best dollar/year return by simply remodeling the HS or constructing a
comparably "new" structure on the existing site. 
 And I'll make a little side wager with you on the outcome if you'd
like.

In short, there was good reason economically--for the sake of your 
tax
dollar and mine--to present the comparative figures that were given. 
If you don't want to fund a new building anywhere, okay.  But this
particular attack on the folks who donated their time to bring you 
the
information is unwarranted.  By the way, you are aware that there 
were
local business people just like you on the committee, right?  People
who questioned every decision and piece of information.  It wasn't
just educators, administrators, and school board members--it was
pretty well balanced.  I respect your not agreeing with their
suggestions, but I have difficulty with you attacking their motives. 
NO ONE that I'm aware of stood to gain a single dollar from any
possible proposal.  They all just wanted to RECOMMEND what they
thought best for the community as a whole.

Phil, I appreciate your continued interest in the issues.  I think
there is something useful that can be gained for everyone to continue
a dialogue.  I just ask that you give some extra thought to whether
there was really a grand conspiracy afoot here and whether everyone
whoever participated in or observed the process  is necessarily a 
dope
with nefarious ulterior motives.  (in fact, if they were all that
stupid, do you think they could put such a complicated plot 
together?)

Take care--and join the damn committee.

Mike





On 2 May 2005 at 21:49, cjs wrote:

> ....... The architect replied that he had been given the
> instructions to do a cost analysis for the high school remodel that
> would make it equivalent to a brand new building. That meant that he
> could not reuse anything in the entire structure that was not
> current  "state of the art."
> 
> and we want these people in charge of educating our children?
> 
> Phil
> 
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