Alternative plan inadequate

Bill Johns (Feb. 20) has argued that renovations to Cheney High School can be accomplished for $11.65 million. He presented this option to the Citizens’ Committee, Cheney School District board, and in newspapers.

The truth is that his plan is simply inadequate. While his plan would add classrooms and a small alternative school, many needs would be left unmet, and CHS would still fall short in key areas.

Sports teams would still be short gym space, leaving them practicing late in the evening or busing to elementary schools, which displaces elementary activities. Drama and choir students would still be left without a theater.

According to Johns, the lecture hall called the “Little Theater” is good enough for drama, and the gym will do for choir. However, they are not designed for these programs.

Johns’ plan leaves CHS with a 400-seat cafeteria and a makeshift solution to security. As CHS grows toward 1,500 students, simple math proves his cafeteria solution is insufficient, and his security solution is impractical. The Citizens’ Committee considered this proposal, and everyone, aside from Johns, believed our students deserve better.

Our students deserve quality schools. Johns’ plan simply does not meet the need.

Richard Harris

Spokane