Letter: Scappoose Middle School tour

I thank superintendent Tim Porter, board member Pat Kessi and Adam Strachan for the informative tour of Scappoose Middle School. We understand firsthand the improvements that need to be addressed.

In my opinion, the Middle School has need for some major repairs. Although I believe the maintenance issues have increased over the years, I also believe that these problems can be upgraded over a couple years, without the multi-millions of dollars required to rebuild in a new location. Some of us on the tour have discussed individual projects with a few contractors and feel that the buildings problems needing addressed are a pittance of the millions a new school building will cost. As an example, after gaining a little knowledge from a HVAC contractor, we found that other districts are installing the latest HVAC technology in their schools for approximately $15,000 per classrooms. This is not millions of dollars. There are some major things that need to be addressed in the middle school, but they can be managed over a few years, with common sense and leadership.. The kids, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better than being used as pawns in the push for a new school, which we can not afford.

Ted M. Rice Jr.

Scappoose