The Issues: School Maintenance at Benicia Schools

Benicia is blessed with good schools. High test scores and low crime keep our property values the highest in Solano County. However, the recent decision by the City Council to give responsibility for field maintenance at some locations back to the school district is stretching the district’s maintenance budget to the breaking point. 

Today’s question: (from a reader)

Our schools are in disrepair.... the high school has weeds all over the place, football field and track are sub-par. Mary Farmar Elementary needs paint, repair and new blacktop. I would like to know what the candidates are going to do to repair our aging schools?

This is a common result of funding cuts; our maintenance staffing has been reduced over the past few years. Hopefully, we can restore staffing to more adequate levels in the very near future.  As for Mary Farmar needing paint and blacktop repairs, I am investigating this.

1. Find out the problems and see if there are already plans to solve the issues.
2. Get the sites involved, identify what is needed. See what can be done at the site level i.e. volunteers, school pride days, etc.

Here again, cash problems for such as asphalt, paint. But, as the leadership at the high school is demonstrating, with parents and concerned staff and volunteers from the community stepping up to care for the field and track, and to rebuild signs, donated and discounted supplies are available from local business firms who are ready to assist in these efforts.  This kind of help, involving students, parents and staff, is what we can build upon. Where there is a will, there is a way.

While we must accept the District's financial limitations, we must also understand that what happens on the inside of a school is often represented by the outside. The best thing about Benicia is the vast expertise of our community and their consistent willingness to give their time and energy to our schools. Recently, a group of parent volunteers and local businesses contributed their time and money to beautify Benicia's Drolette Stadium.  As a board member, I will work hard to facilitate opportunities for community members to take on these types of projects and ensure that they are recognized for their efforts.