Mayor Ragsdale got it right. There was much hollering, grandstanding and saber rattling in September 2006 that Mayor Ragsdale was trying to short change the Knox County School System by not providing the funds to fully fund the much needed Hardin Valley High School.

When the $40 million dollar budget became a $44 million dollar budget and the schools and PBA asked for an additional $6.0 million more making the project a $50 million dollar budget. The Mayor proposed building a school for 1200 with all the infrastructure for 2100 and building on the classrooms when necessary. Everyone said it was necessary to build the school for 2100. The Mayor’s proposal would have held the project at $44 million.

This evening the Knox County School Superintendent has proposed an attendance zone for 930 students the first year. 270 students less than the Mayor proposed in September. The numbers for 7-8 years never rise above 1000 students.

So, with a $50 million dollar budget and less than 1000 students the first 7-8 years the Superintendent is requesting that the Knox County School Board spend $50,000.00 a student on bricks and mortar. Salaries, textbooks and other necessary dollar items are not in this dollar amount.

If the School Board opens this school with less than 1400 students. All Knox County citizens should storm the courthouse and demand a repeal and refund of the wheel tax.