Quality schools = higher property values

It's interesting to write a blog post while my kitten is roaming around the computer desk, walking on the keyboard and sitting in front of the monitor!

On to the topic. A column in today's Indianapolis Star reminds readers that quality schools are closely related to property value. In fact, the author asserts that, "Property values are driven primarily by the reputation of the local school corporation."

The Lebanon Schools are not asking voters to approve a tax increase to help the general fund, as several central Indiana districts are. But the board is looking closely at renovation plans for both Central Elementary and Lebanon High School. A referendum to approve these projects, and the tax adjustment to fund them, is likely sometime in 2010.

Both these buildings are likely to be serving students for many years to come, and both are more than 50 years old. The needs at LHS are more substantial than those at Central. You can only fix the HVAC (that's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and technology systems so many times before it's time for a complete re-do. Parts become unavailable or very expensive, fixes become more frequent, and new systems will provide more efficiency and long-term savings.

Whatever the board puts before the community in a referendum will have one eye on what our students and staff need to optimize learning, and the other eye on careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Stay tuned!