Vote yes on R-1 measure April 8

To the Editor:

As most of you all know by now, the Poplar Bluff School District is presenting a proposal on the upcoming April 8 ballot to ask the Butler County residents to approve a .80 tax increase for several different school projects in our community. Notice I did not say an 80 percent tax increase, but rather just 80 cents. Personally, I currently do not have any children or grandchildren attending the Poplar Bluff Public School system, so I have no biases pertaining to this matter.

I have seen the renderings of the proposed changes and I can tell you they are fantastic. This district is in dire need of making these changes. Everyone needs to see the plans available and currently in the possession of Superintendent Chris Hon. I can tell you, if you ever wish to view these plans, just attend a local Mules basketball game, and they are laid out for all to see as you enter the gymnasium. If you are interested in Mr. Hon speaking to a group I am sure he would be willing to.

It is time Poplar Bluff advances to provide the same level of educational opportunities afforded to our surrounding school districts such as Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Farmington, Sikeston and others. Poplar Bluff Schools has some of the finest available teachers I have known through my lifetime, and I think it is about time to not only reward these educators with better facilities, but let us consider your children and grandchildren and what it will be like 10 or 20 years from now if this bond fails. We can pass a bond issue for a new jail years ago, so let's see if we can get this school bond issue passed now. The jail is paid for and is a fine facility, but it is time to take care of our children and educators now and for generations to come.

I will personally be pushing for this issue to pass on April 8, and I hope all Butler County residents will just take a moment and think about what is being asked of us. Just a reminder, the Senior High School was opened in the 1960s, and the Junior High School opened its doors far before that. I do indeed think it is time for some changes and advancements in our local education system.

Be proud of where you live and help to move this project forward by voting YES on this bond issue on Tuesday, April 8, 2014.

Roger E. Burton

Poplar Bluff, Mo.