Dear Editor:

I am writing as a concerned parent and member of the South Tama County Community School District. Our middle school building, which is 104 years old, is quickly deteriorating and we need to do something about it. The average age of use of a school building in Iowa is 70 years, so we have outlasted the safe use of the building. It is time we, as a community, do something to enhance student safety and security and provide a better learning environment.

I was born and raised in this community. After college I was given the opportunity with jobs to move back to the Tama-Toledo area. I have raised my family in this district. I am very proud to be from STC, and I know a lot of you feel the same way. With that in mind, let’s do something to improve one of our very old buildings that is becoming a big safety concern. We need a building we can all be proud of and where our students can effectively learn, feel safe and be comfortable as they learn.

The district and school board have been engaging the community in conversations, surveys and meetings to help decide the best actions moving forward. After all this, it seems the best option is to authorize the school board to move forward with a General Obligation bond vote in March 2020. Please join me in supporting our students, educators and all our community members by voting in favor of this bond.

South Tama County Community School District is moving in the right direction and it is time we show the students and educators that we value them by giving them a safe and supportive environment for learning.

Stephanie Babinat

Parent/Activity Booster Board member/

Community member

Tama