You may have seen a recent report by Elliott Davis on KTVI Channel 2 about the way that MRH is using 2007 bond issue funds. We want to take this opportunity to clear up the misinformation in the report.

During the report, Davis indicated that the District chose to renovate the central office space instead of putting an elevator in the high school building. It is important to note two facts as it relates to this story. The first is that MRH High School/Middle School already has an elevator and chair lift that ensure that all of our students with disabilities and others have easy access to all parts of our building. Secondly, the voters of this District expressly approved the renovation of central office on the April 2007 ballot.

The elevator that Davis referred to was not part of the original bond issue plans, but was suggested by the architects designing the renovations to the auditorium to make easier the movement of sets, props and costumes between the dressing room area and the stage level. When the cost of this elevator exceeded $300,000 due to complex construction issues, the Board directed its removal from the plans. Theater materials can still be moved with a stairway that will be installed; therefore it seemed unnecessary to add a second elevator at that high cost.

The central office currently does not have adequate lighting, heating and cooling. It is also the only part of the secondary campus that is not equipped with a sprinkler system. Despite these facts, the Board of Education delayed the renovation of central office until the passage of the third successful bond issue so that our learning spaces could be renovated first. With the two bond issues that were passed prior to 2007, we were able to build the new elementary school, renovate the high school and move the middle school into newly-renovated spaces in the high school building. The passage of Proposition C will allow us to make much needed improvements to the Early Childhood Center.

We hope this answers any concerns you may have had after seeing the report. If you have any further questions, please fell free to contact us at (314) 644-4400.

Sincerely,

Nelson Mitten
President, MRH Board of Education