Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for January 23, 2009 TRICKLE DOWN?

Schools hope for help from stimulus plan

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

While local schools are no strangers to disappointment when it comes to funding, superintendents still have hope for the federal stimulus package proposed by President Barack Obama.

The package offers $14 billion for K-through-12 school construction, and districts with projects under way are hoping for a taste.

Marion Superintendent Wade Hudgens said it is too early to celebrate the package, but with plans for a new high school in Marion and elementary school in Creal Springs, which has been in the works the past seven years, a few bucks to help with construction would be appreciated.

"We're looking forward to its passage and would like to see the details," Hudgens said.

Carterville Superintendent Tim Bleyer said if it had the money, his district could be out to bid for the construction of a new high school in three to four weeks. The school, which will be located next to Tri-C Elementary, was set for completion in August 2010 and already has a completed football field and track.

"Our number one goal for the community and the school system has been getting a new high school built," Bleyer said.

But with hopes for funding from the state capital bill coming and going, Bleyer said it's best to look at the stimulus with skepticism.

"We've sort of run the gauntlet, and through that experience we've learned not to hope too high or too low," Bleyer said.

Herrin Superintendent Mark Collins said experience has also given him an attitude of believing it when he sees it. While hopeful that the money will reach Southern Illinois, he said the funds have to funnel through the state first.

While schools in Williamson County have their share of construction projects that would benefit from the federal funding, districts throughout the region would happily accept a bit of help.

Marc Kiehna, superintendent for Randolph and Monroe County Schools said the district has been looking to replace a primary school building in Sparta and build a new high school in Waterloo.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that the money will make it to Illinois and the grants will come to our districts," Kiehna said.

Bleyer said in addition to helping the communities, school funding helps a struggling economy because of the amount of building trades jobs generated.

"It's just a whole wide range of various people that it would impact," Bleyer said.