I was surprised with last weeks editorial, “Community needs to attend bond outreach events.” Maybe there was low turnout because the school district really hasn’t done a good job in promoting the events. Maybe it is because The Beachcomber has not been covering the school board meetings over the last few years.

When The Beachcomber was covering the park board meetings regularly and asking hard questions, people showed up in droves.

The school district is our largest taxing district on the island. Over the last five years, the school budget has gone from $14 million to over $19 million, yet The Beachcomber barely covers this. The board has been discussing Phase II since May, and only now has the community been asked to weigh in and do so quickly so board members can vote on this early next month before the new board takes office. Before this time, only sport enthusiasts have been asked to the table to give the board a list of wants that have somehow been turned into needs.

But The Beachcomber has barely covered this and does not ask hard questions or fact check what is being said by the district. In last week’s paper, Kim Goforth, the schools’ capital facilities director, is quoted as saying that moving the track orientation would not cost any extra money (hard to believe) and that the track is 400 yards, too short to host track meets. I measured the track today, and it is 440 yards (402.3 meters) not short at all. The Beachcomber should not accept and use the school board’s spin, “The bond will cost a $1 a day,” but say “will cost $365 a year.”

Beachcomber, please cover the bond with a critical eye.

When coverage is strong, the community will show up.

— Hilary Emmer