Trending
On Monday, Oct. 24, Representatives Jay Edwards and Shane Wilkin announced the introduction of the Accelerated Appalachian School Building Assistance Program, or House Bill 733, in the Ohio House of Representatives. House Bill 733 would create an Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) program for public school districts in Appalachian Ohio, who have not yet gone through the OFCC building construction process to date. About 100 superintendents, teachers, students and community members attended the ceremony at Eastern Local High School in Meigs County, Ohio. Wilkin stressed the importance of this legislation for Appalachia's K-12 population and called upon attendees to continue reaching out to legislators for change in school maintenance funding.
"This is a historic day ... this is getting Appalachia caught up to what urban schools have had since 2000," Edwards said. "This isn't just about schools and our children. This is a burden to taxpayers. This is reducing the burden for our local taxpayers." Edwards also thanked Rep. Don Jones for his support of the legislation.
Eastern Local Elementary School Principal Robin Burrow was in attendance to share her concerns over the aging facilities at her Meigs County district.
"We have two roofs that need replaced, that will cost $25 million. Doors, lighting, technology infrastructure needs upgraded. We have a gym floor that is sinking ... we just demand for our children to wake up every morning, and come to a school that does not have leaks or cracks or sinking floors."
Superintendent Monte Bainter, chair of the Coalition of Rural Appalachian Schools legislative advocacy committee, said, "Our work has just begun. We need to reach out to all our Representatives and Senators to start advocating for our kids. ... We're thrilled to be here today to celebrate this monumental step toward parity for students in our school districts."