Keeping Anders busy

NewsPress Editorial Board

April 25, 2008 11:04 am

— John Anders may feel like he has jumped from the frying pan and into the fire. The facilities manager for Stillwater Public Schools has for years been trying to keep things from crumbling about him with little money to actually get the job done. Now, following October’s passage of a bond issue that, in part, provides funds for maintenance projects, Anders is just as busy, though now it is because he has several renovation projects going or about to get going.
Two weeks ago, Anders provided a list of “priority” projects to the Board of Education. The estimated price tag: $960,000. And Anders is hoping to save money on those projects so he can squeeze in a few more until more bond funding arrives.
The list he submitted contained the projects that garnered a “1” or “2” rating for importance; the projects that were rated “3” and “4” have not yet been mentioned.
Too often, we rush to construct new buildings while ignoring the state of our current buildings, and Stillwater has not been immune. But voters saw fit to invest in repairs and renovation and school district officials are getting to work. Such a decision requires foresight and a sense of responsibility, and voters should be proud they supported this.
But don’t be surprised if Anders looks a little harried when you see him.