To the editor:

Mr. Moran refused to commit to taking the unisex bathrooms off the building plans. He was asked by a community member at the meeting on Thursday night and his comment was, “The OFCC who is part of the state says it is not illegal.” As a community we said no. Senate Bill 104 says no and he is basically telling us our concerns and the law don’t matter.

When asked how the teachers felt he said they had nothing but positive feedback over the current plans. The board stands behind him as well. That leaves me to wonder are the kids safe at school anymore?

While the bathrooms, unisex for the kids, (teachers/staff have over 27 private restrooms), are at the top of the list of concerns the whole plan is a kick in the face to the voters. As one man said at one of the community meetings, “We have been conned”. That is unfortunately true.

The plan they sold to the public was two stories K-4 on one side of the building and 5-8 on the other with a gym and cafeteria between. A main office at the front of the building. Now we are up to 3 stories all on one side of the building. with a main office on every floor completely away from the main entrance. Every floor will have their own Principals, Vice principals and office staff.

There is one main stairwell to climb the three flights. Other stairwells are apparently for fire safety codes not daily use. There is one elevator for handicapped staff or students. I am not confident in fire evacuation situations with this plan and getting students to safety, especially handicapped from three stories above.

There is a lot of wasted space. There are many Flex, small and large rooms with no significant teaching defined for them. Also, no defined locker space.

There were meetings were community members sat at tables and contributed what they thought was needed in the school for the students as far as class rooms and safety. None of the community input made it to those plans.

Mr. Moran is showing us what he, the teachers and board want and the community and students are not their concern.

The plans are on the school website. Take a long look. Your kid’s safety is at stake.

Kathy Bone

Tipp City