The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 965, announced its endorsement of the proposed millage to build a new Fayetteville High School yesterday calling for “an investment in our children’s future.”
“It is important to our members that we build here and build now for the future of our children and our community; we must not miss this opportunity to do the right thing at the right time” said Larry West, a member of the executive committee.
The Fayetteville School District is seeking a 4.9-mill property tax increase for the construction of the new school.
Last year, the group endorsed building the new high school at the current location because of its close proximity to the University of Arkansas. “It serves students well to be near the University and its resources,” said Vice President Betty Martin. “In addition, it is convenient for our faculty and staff who have children attending high school, as well as for nontraditional students and single parents enrolled at the University.”
Martin believes that if the millage is not passed on Sept. 15, the old debate about the location of the school would be re-opened and would “shift the discussion from achieving lasting excellence to finding the cheapest temporary solution.”
AFSCME Local 965 was chartered in 1962. Its membership includes employees of the University of Arkansas and the City of Fayetteville.
Early voting for the millage election begins this Tuesday, September 8.
