Upgrade schools in phases

To the editor: Like most citizens, I am aware of the upcoming referendum for $71.5 million to address increasing enrollment and building improvements needed at the high school, and $2.49 million to upgrade the athletic field. I have read the demographic study on enrollment and future residential development issued by the board of education. As a resident of Sparta for over 30 years, I have witnessed many analyses of our school problems. The township’s needs have been variable and not all predictions are accurate. The predictions are dependent on the assumptions made as the basis for the study. This demographic study is no different. Among the many assumptions the one that stood out to me is utilizing the township planner’s schedule of future development. The historical actual building permits have been less than the plan allows. Like most citizens, I do not doubt the need to upgrade and fix the current high school. However, I believe the referendum should allow the citizens to vote for different phases. When I studied the information bulletin published by the Sparta Public School District, it seems logical that classrooms could be constructed in phase one, the renovations in phase two, the addition to the front in phase three, and the athletic field in phase four. This presentation could increase the chances to begin the project and make the expense more acceptable. Finally, the citizens should be given a complete accounting of the expected tax increase. The referendum should include expenses like increased teaching staff, increased administration staff, increased parking, and additional furniture, books and computers. Also, it is not clear when a new grade school will be needed. Sparta citizens deserve to know the total bill. Jim Tower Sparta