For many years, the School Board has been looking for ways to justify closing Hoover for use by City High. As recently as July, the board would not give an explanation for plans for Hoover property. One indication of possible future Hoover use, according to the Master Facilities Plan, is for another softball field, and reconstruction of tennis courts displaced by a wrestling addition for a third wrestling mat.
It’s interesting that the April 13 Press-Citizen reported the district MFP now includes $17 million in athletic facilities, and Superintendent Murley stated the district would seek additional funds through the bond referendum vote planned for fall 2017.
A few years ago, it was suggested that City High additions of classrooms, library and cafeteria space, could not be completed without Hoover land. Phase I, for half of the classrooms, is under construction. The remainder of additions will be built on existing City High property. Recommended projected capacity of City, West, and Liberty is sufficient for projected high school enrollment.
Hoover demolition and facility replacement may exceed $10 million. This means $5.5 million additional cost for City High athletic facilities. The MFP has worthwhile projects, facilities need to be maintained, but demolition of any high performing, neighborhood elementary schools for athletic facilities is not the best use of tax dollars. Paraphrasing the NCAA, most post-high school endeavors will involve “going pro” in something other than athletics. Support our neighborhood schools.
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