School tour sways resident's vote

To the editor: On Tuesday, May 16, my wife and I attended a bond referendum presentation and tour of Sparta High School. I must admit that I had almost made up my mind to vote “no” on the proposed referendum. My reasons were typical: My children are grown, my wife and I are retired and we do not want any tax increase. However, the tour through the building was truly an eye opener. I had not been in the building for a number of years and was more than surprised at the conditions. Space is inadequate and the facility, while well maintained and utilized to maximum efficiency, cannot provide Sparta’s youth with the education today’s world demands. Perhaps you do not believe the athletic fields need the improvements called for in the referendum, but anyone who has Sparta’s future in mind and who believes that quality education is the key to a better life should check out the high school and decide for yourself. John T. Duffy Sparta