I have three grandchildren attending three different Marquette County schools. I see the good and not so good in each school. The Gwinn School District is an amazing school. Gwinn students are doing great things.

In reading comments about the Bond Proposal, I read questions concerning future growth of the community and school. Marquette County’s future housing needs are becoming land locked. Please talk with a realtor. You will find that a school systems with excellent community support draws families. With a new school Gwinn has excellent potential for increased future school enrollment. Gwinn has room to expand for housing needs. “Build it and they will come.”

It seems some people are focused on the past, bringing up maintenance issues from 30 years ago. My house is thirty three years old, many things have broke and have been remodeled. The roof had to be replaced, garage and entry doors, furnace, plumbing, flooring, and three water heaters. Thank goodness we do not have expensive asbestos abatement or lead paint problems. Repairs happen. We know if the money is not there it falls into more expensive repairs. I have also managed a nonprofit childcare center. I know building repairs are extensive and expensive. The repairs are added costs to tuition. State regulations play a huge role in a school and a childcare center’s physical building and its design.

The regulation rules are mandated for the kids safety, so it is difficult and non negotiable to argue the expense with the State.

The school has posted a tax estimate sheet for your information. You will be surprised how little your taxes will go will go up. The transparency of the district is there, it’s all there. It is you that must decide if you are pro or con and vote accordingly. If you do not have children in the district that is not a valid excuse to vote no. “It takes a village to raise a child.”

I believe the students need a one school concept with community support.

The students and staff are doing amazing work and it will only get better with a yes vote!

The school students, along with school staff have achieved this and much more during the past year:

Geometry math class using math skills to design and build structures!

• NMU Quiz Bowl Champions

• Girls Volleyball State Academic Award

• Award for highest SAT scores

• Life Skill Prep Class – taking kids to visit colleges, NMU matching program

• Sport enthusiasm with many sports teams along with proud families supporting them. Champion winners!

• Honor English Program

• Award winning Art Collaboration Program

• Award winning Robotic Team

• Thrive Club

• Students attend Clear Lake Center Science Center

• High School helping elementary students as Math Buddies and as Service Learning Class

• Student Garden Harvest Program

• Investment in enrichment field trips to cultivate learning

• Music and Drama with concerts, and theatre

• Subaru sponsored school educator award winner

• Parent support programs

• USDA Summer Food Program

Think about how much more they could do with the right equipment while in a safe and effective school building.

Please look at the school Facebook page. You will be amazed at the “extra” learning opportunities that the school creates. Examples are family nights, after school events, clubs within the school, reading events, concerts, communication, transparency and so much more! The students, parents, staff, and administration certainly deserve praise and a yes vote!

As, in most UP towns it is the school which is the center of the Community. Be proud and please support the Gwinn Modeltowners and the entire Community with a yes vote. It is time.