By: Dr. Darron Arlt - PHS Superintendent
This week, the Board of Education interviewed 3 construction companies and will likely formally enter into contract with one of them on Monday night. This is a big step to finalize the team that will help us secure a vision for a 50-year solution to facility needs at Plainview Public Schools. Despite the recent failures of school bond attempts around the state, we believe now is still the best time to move forward. Our needs and our story are different from any other school district in the state, so we are not dissuaded.
For most folks, it will come down to cost. We get that. But now is the least expensive time to get this done for the future of our school, the children, and the community of Plainview. These needs won’t go away, and they will only get more expensive if we wait. We shouldn't hand this burden off to our children.
The facility advisory committee will begin prioritizing our needs this month. Last spring, many of you pointed us in the direction that you support which is academics, early childhood, skilled trades/career tech. ed. (CTE), activities, & performing arts with safety and efficiency (one school/one roof) being the overarching priority.
Whatever we do for our future, it should be impressive and attractive. We need to attract attention. We need to attract prospective teachers. We need to attract prospective families. We need to attract prospective students. We need to attract prospective business/industry to Plainview. We need to secure Plainview as the home of a possible consolidated high school in the future. I truly believe this is a pivotal moment in the history of our school and the community of Plainview.
I will be available at your request to offer tours of the schools so you can see for yourself. I will provide information and answer any questions. Above all, we’ll want you to make a fully informed decision next spring. Stay tuned and stay engaged!