Combined school makes sense

To the editor:

Farm and Home Hardware opened for business in 1960. Since then, we have experienced growth and the need to expand our operations from one building to the three we currently occupy. While these three locations do serve their purpose, our operating budget has increased due to our inefficiencies. The current economy and competition in general dictates that we run our operations as lean as possible.

The old saying "Addition by subtraction," works here. We are currently drafting plans for a new facility on the south side of Wellington. I have run several budget projections and each time we arrive at the same conclusion. We will be able to reduce our operating budget one third by conducting business out of a modern single store facility. Three of our largest expenditures -- maintenance, utility and labor costs -- will be significantly reduced while improving service levels to our customer base. These cost controls are essential to the future growth of our business. Why is the Wellington school district any different?

Everyone is dealing with the increase in utility costs; watch out if cap and trade is passed, but that's another issue. These utility costs reduce the schools' ability to support their main operational purpose, to educate our children. Every dollar saved by using energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems can be put back into education. Remember the current school proposal utilizes geo-thermal technology and other energy saving items.

Maintenance on any building is a must; whether it is new or old, it will need repairs. The secret is to limit the amount of maintenance needed to conduct operations. New building materials and techniques will help the school system by reducing its maintenance budget, and a more centralized maintenance department will operate more efficiently. Again, every dollar saved on facility maintenance will go directly back into educating our children.

We need to start treating the Wellington school system as what it truly is, one of the largest businesses in the area. All the residents of the district are shareholders in this business. Decisions must be made and votes will be taken on the future of our business. I for one believe that the $15 million offered by the state are funds that must be taken advantage of. Our yes vote for Issue 36 will give our customers, the students of Wellington, advantages that we have only dreamed of in the past. A yes vote is an investment in our community that will pay back for years to come.

Scott Jerousek, president

Farm and Home Hardware