A vote for the future

Voters in Ashland made a critical decision last election day. By choosing to pass the $7.5 million bond issue for the Southern Boone County School District, they invested in the future of their community, both short-term and long.

In the short-term, this bond issue means classrooms, a gym and a weight room. Extra classrooms means kids who need individual attention won’t be taught in repurposed janitor’s closets. Having a single-purpose gym means gym class won’t be cut short to move out tables for lunch. A dedicated weight room gives students better ways to stay in shape, as well as giving the football and soccer teams their own locker room. The expansions this bond issue guarantees students are substantive and give them a greater chance to succeed.

Long-term, this bond issue means continued growth for Ashland. As the cost of living in Columbia increases, Ashland continues to be a compelling alternative. Having strong public schools only makes Ashland more marketable, more appealing, to families looking for long term stability.

Ashland voters should be commended. Increasing taxes is never a popular move. Voluntarily choosing to increase them even less so. But in passing the bond issue, voters understood where their money was going, and how it would directly help their schools, their kids and their community. It is the right move now and will continue to be for years to come.