A project that is vitally important to education and training in the community has gained traction after slipping and sliding through a year or so of uncertainty.
Perhaps you have heard of the construction and technology trades program that would provide a 6,500 square foot facility on the Salem High School campus. Simply put, it would provide a facility and training ground for our students that would catapult us and them into the construction and technology future. Without it, well, let’s not go there.
Traction for the project recently has come in the form of Salem’s Tod Kinerk, a businessman and alderman who just wants to see it happen. For over a year now, people in this community have been planning and working for this project to happen. Key to this having a chance at reality has been the support of Salem’s Wes and Lisa Hester. A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for $500,000 has been approved, but only if the community banks $438,000 in local funds. Another Department of Economic Development (DED) grant of $500,000-$900,000 could be a possibility if the funds are raised. In reality, the local money needs to be in the bank by the time the Salem R-80 school board meets Sept. 15.
Time is short and this can get confusing, so let me put it in terms you (and I) can understand.
Money has been deposited or pledged, leading Kinerk to believe this project can still happen. But it’s going to take a fast finish. If we as a community come up with the money, it will happen. If we don’t, it won’t.
Kinerk heard weeks ago that there wasn’t a lot happening and the project was in jeopardy, so he pulled some of the major players together and pushed and prodded and cajoled and, in some cases, begged them to do something. That ‘something’ was invest in the future of our kids and grandkids. People are responding.
There was a prime rib dinner at the United Methodist Church last Monday to announce a renewed, revitalized attempt to get this fundraising on track. A lot of money was raised and Kinerk told me Sunday night he thinks the funds can be raised, the grants obtained and the facility a reality. He has faith in the community.
Did I mention it needs to happen fast?
Anyone who realizes the importance of this investment in education should step forward and contact Salem R-80 schools – or Kinerk if you know him – and donate.
I have grandchildren who are attending or will likely one day attend Salem High School. Nothing would please me more than seeing my grandkids and those of my friends walk into a state-of-the-art facility with training that goes well-beyond the reading, writing and arithmetic that are still the cornerstones of education. But this is a new day requiring new skills, whether you want to build houses or construct websites.
People in this community always step up for things like this, especially when it’s for the kids. This isn’t a tax increase, an assessment or a deduction from your paycheck. It’s a donation that is an investment on the future of the youth in our community. Give what you can, but give.
Whether you want to help in a small way or a big way, just help. It all adds up to the funds needed and the support our students need.
The easiest way to invest is simply drop a check by the Salem R-80 administration office at 1409 West Rolla Rd. You can also call 729-6642 for more information. If you qualify you can earn Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) tax credits (50 cents on the dollar) through Salem R-80. If you don’t, you will simply have the satisfaction of helping Salem R-80 and its students for many years to come.
