As Mississippi's second largest city, we are fortunate to live in a community that has managed to avoid many societal and economic challenges that have impacted similar-sized towns. Some of this blessing can be attributed to our abundant natural resources, but most is the direct result of a generational commitment by our citizens to enhancing our quality of life. Much of this is reflected in our welcoming attitude to residents and visitors alike, the diversity of our business climate, and support of high education standards for our children.
Gulfport has always been a looked-to city with respect to the setting of benchmarks. Our sister cities embrace those same values found in high quality communities which is reflected in the larger "quality of place" we enjoy across the Coast. In our post-Katrina world, we have reinvented ourselves by making the most of what remained, and building better where possible. Infrastructure, town centers and schools have been hallmarks of redevelopment.
In the grand scheme, however, Gulfport High School -- while being a consistent model of educational excellence -- did not benefit as did other communities with total reconstructions of their campuses.
This testament to the quality of our teachers and administrators is overshadowed by the fact that the GHS campus is unsafe by today's standards. With 74 entrances, it is difficult, if not impossible, to adequately secure the property. The proposed design would tighten the facility down to four major points of ingress and egress and would upgrade systems and facilities that have been antiquated for quite some time. This factor alone is justification for support of the bond issue.
In reality, the other side of this equation comes down to competition. Just as our city competes for jobs, we also compete for students. The two are intertwined. On paper, we can't be beat. Our statistical outcomes are as good as any around. However, when doing a drive-by survey and comparing the physical facilities of Gulfport High School with other surrounding high schools, we are found lacking. Most of its buildings are more than 50 years old. GHS is due for not just a facelift, but for a modernization, bringing our labs and classroom facilities into the new millennium.
If we are to compete locally, and our students are to compete in the world, shouldn't we be setting the example by providing an environment that better fosters learning, safety and opportunity? This is our chance. The financial impact of this measure to the average household will be nominal. Additional information, including voting precinct locations, can be found on Gulfport's Facebook page and our website (gulfport-ms.gov).
Let's have a strong turnout on behalf of our community and students in making sure we are providing the best learning environment possible for today's students and those of tomorrow. Vote "Yes for GHS" this Tuesday.
Billy Hewes III is the mayor of Gulfport.
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