Steve Frey
Well, perhaps it will link with Montgomery County, but with Fairlawn, Radford’s subsidiary shopping area so close, Pulaski County seems like a good bet. If Radford decides to consolidate with Pulaski County and give up its city status, it will save the taxpayers a boatload of tax money. That’s what you want, isn’t it?
“Radford City at a Crossroads: Story at 11:00.” Sound familiar? For at least four years the city school division has been bringing a plan for building renovations and construction to the city council without movement.
Why not do what some of the populace wants and cut taxes “big league” – consolidate with Pulaski and eliminate the Radford City school system altogether. Well, Pulaski may want to use Belle Heth, but millions of dollars could be saved. The Bobcats in middle school could attend Pulaski’s new middle school, and what sports teams Pulaski High School would have with the added state powerhouse Bobcats. Elementary children (soon to be young Cougars) could be split between Belle Heth and Riverlawn.
Eliminate the city court system, police department, water department, EMS, social services, electric department, and so much more. Consolidate them all with county services or, in the case of the electric department, get service directly from Appalachian Power and cut out the middleman. Think of all the taxes that could be saved! That’s what you want, isn’t it?
Just think, no more worries about attracting businesses by upgrading the schools. No more fears about raising taxes to keep the city’s head above water. No more nickel and diming school district plans to avoid the costs. No need to worry about keeping the recreation department running or the park system growing. All those things would now be the responsibility of Pulaski County (well, there may be a few Town of Radford services). Think of the taxes avoided. That’s what you want, isn’t it?
At the last joint school board-city council meeting, plans were again reviewed, but nothing was determined. The budget clock is ticking, and school board members were probably hoping for a final indication of support moving forward and perhaps some bonding specifics. That did not happen.
The superintendent from Pulaski is hoping to claw back some students who pay tuition to attend in Radford when the new middle school opens. Superintendent Rob Graham indicated that some parents, including Radford University personnel, settle in Blacksburg and Montgomery County because the school facilities are better. Floyd County is looking at upgrading its CTE building.
But in Radford, one city council member asked about the possibility of just replacing the boilers at McHarg and saving the money from the rest of the renovations. Forget about the overcrowding, the closet classrooms, the gym in the cafeteria, etc. Save money. Don’t raise taxes. That’s what you want, isn’t it?
The school board isn’t gung ho to raise taxes any more than anyone else (they live in Radford, too), but they realize that, to provide Radford students with a 21st century education, they need modern facilities. That means raising taxes.
They’re not talking about pony rides and a stable at McHarg or paragliding lessons off the high school roof. No, they’re talking about science labs with running water and safety equipment; locker rooms with showers and sewer systems that work; a gym so the physical education teacher doesn’t share space with the lunch ladies; rooms with modern technology actually designed for today’s instruction; sports fields that aren’t safety hazards; and many other large and small improvements. They’re also talking about an innovative learning facility specifically designed to help Radford students be prepared for the new economy. Those are things you want for Radford’s children, aren’t they?
The school board wants the schools to not only meet the needs of today’s students, but those of tomorrow, too. Doing so will draw new families to the city and grow the division. These improvements will also help to make the city attractive to new businesses. Funding the school system is putting money back into the community to support the city’s greatest natural resource—its children. That’s what you want, isn’t it?
The city council can once again take a pass on supporting the schools, and the schools will continue to lose students and struggle to provide the education our students deserve, or it can bite the bullet and raise taxes for the first time in ten years. We’ll discover their choice at the city council’s budget unveiling today at 5:30 p.m.
Funding the schools is a sure and easy way to invest in children and grow the city. Otherwise, well, there is always consolidation with Pulaski County. When the city gets to the point where it can’t fund basic necessities like the school system, that may be the only solution. Is that what you want?
No, anyone who loves Radford City would not want consolidation.
The city council is going to hear from those who will never support raising taxes. They always do. Some community members will use their anti-tax message politically, of course.
The question is: Will they hear from those who believe that children and education are worth the added cost of properly funded schools.
What do YOU want?
Steve Frey is a writer and CEO of Ascendant Educational Services based in Radford.