Citizens share at public hearing

Enterprise citizens were able to make their voices heard during a joint public hearing hosted by the Enterprise City Council and the Enterprise Board of Education.

The purpose of the hearing was to let citizens have a say-so with the possible upcoming project that the city council and school board have been discussing that was outlined during a June 11 working session and discussed by both boards June 20.

Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Dr. Camille Wright began with a short presentation about what the school board is trying to accomplish, which includes a three-phase process to better enhance the safety and security points of each school within the city. The phases would also include facility equalization and upgrades so every school is up to date with safety measures.

“I believe that while our current facilities have worked beautifully in the past, and even meet many of our present-day needs, if we’re not moving forward, we’re getting left behind,” Wright said.

“We want our students to leave prepared for college and careers, and armed with the credentials and the strong academics, but more importantly the skills they need to succeed. However, our first and immediate concern is for the safety and security of our students.”

Wright’s proposed plan would require $26-27 million with $3.9 million needed for safety upgrades, $3.8 million for security and the other $18.8 million for facility equalization and 21st-century learning, including construction of a new junior high school.

However, that would require the city council to forgive the $550,000 the school is scheduled to begin paying to the city in 2016 to cover the remaining $7.7 million of a bond secured to build Enterprise High School.

Mayor Kenneth Boswell also stated some of the other issues that could arise if this plan was taken into action, such as the possibility of a base realignment and closure for Fort Rucker, as well as a half-cent tax increase.

“BRAC is very real. I promise you that,” Boswell said.

After a short presentation from Fire Chief Byron Herring and Police Chief T.D. Jones about their departments and how they could use the extra money as well, citizens were allowed to come up to the podium and express whether they agree with the school board’s plan or disagree with it.

Most who came up were in favor.

“We’re dealing with something that this community knows a lot about: the safety of our students, ”said former Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Thad Morgan.

“We cannot do enough to ensure the safety in this day and time of our students. It’s paramount that every effort be made to ensure that we have safe schools. No one likes taxes, but you cannot fund schools on property taxes in the state of Alabama. We’ve got to do this to ensure the safety of students.”

“Anyone who has studied the history of Enterprise knows that public education has been important to our city,” said former Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Reese.

“As someone who loves our town and our school system, I sincerely hope agreements can be reached that benefit both entities.”

“I’m here because I care and I hope you all care about our children,” said Enterprise resident Reesa Byrd.

“We know that we can’t put a price on a life. Since we can’t put a price on a life, I want you to think about something. Whether you love children, or you’re one of those people that don’t really care anything about children, if you knew somebody’s life was in danger would you be willing to have a part in keeping them safe? Surely and hopefully everyone would say, ‘Of course I would.’ It’s not about you worrying about taxes or about you not being interested in the schools. It’s about helping our schools be safe.”