Editorials - 02/21/02

Commissioners need to find money for cafeteria, all options

SMHS now boasts a new band room, new art room, new greenhouse and new workforce addition, and we're proud to see our kids benefit from these modern spaces. Much has been accomplished, and we appreciate the effort both boards have made on behalf of the school's 1,000 students. Next on the school improvements agenda is a new dining room, kitchen and serving area to replace the current 42-year-old space.

"It should have been fixed years ago," said one community member.

We agree. And, thanks to architects John Cort and Stephanie Holland, local leaders have a plan for a bright, appealing facility that can serve as a concourse and provide handicap accessibility to the gymnasium. The existing cafeteria would become a commons area, and a series of ramps would take students from one level to the other while providing some elevated seating. Two accessible bathrooms would be constructed in a portion of the old cafeteria, which would be air-conditioned.

Another innovative feature would be an a la carte serving table, to be located in the commons area (existing cafeteria) that would allow students to purchase single items and avoid long lines. This area could double as a school store and could also provide concessions at dances and other special events.

The sticking point, as always, is money. To do every component of the plan, commissioners need to find about $250,000 more than has been budgeted.

We think they should find the additional money and move ahead with the entire project. In our opinion, none of these items are optional when viewed with an eye to the total school program.

With the completion of the planned 450-seat dining room, the a la carte serving table and air conditioning/heating improvements in the old cafeteria, the high school could operate with two lunch periods. Accomplishing this goal would have enormous ramifications for the school's instructional program, said Principal Kenny Nicholson.

Eliminating one lunch period would provide a wide range of scheduling options. Some students could receive in-school tutoring and remediation. Others could use the extra period for student organizations, including yearbook and newspaper, Nicholson said.

SMHS houses almost one-third of Jackson County's schoolchildren and more than 90 percent of the county's high school students. They deserve a cafeteria that's adequate to meet all their needs.

And they need it as soon as possible.

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