My wife and I moved to Newton in December 2005, just a few days after the birth of our first child. We had lived out of state for a few years and were living in the Des Moines metro before choosing to move our family to Newton. Since we were just starting our family at the time, one of the most important factors in choosing where to live was the school district where our kids would eventually be attending. When we had to chance to visit Newton and talk with several people who had either gone to school in the district or had children in the district, we were very impressed with the opportunities our kids would have here. We now have three children in the school district and could not be happier with the schools and are glad we chose Newton.
As a community, we now have the opportunity to build on positive momentum and attract more young families to Newton. The City of Newton has done its part in cleaning up parts of the city through the dangerous and dilapidated building program and in providing incentives for new housing. Young families are taking advantage of these incentives. The next step is to show we are committed to providing children an education in a facility that meets the needs of the 21st century. Our children, and children for years to come, deserve to learn in a school that can grow and adapt as classroom technology changes. Unlike the current facility, a new Berg Middle School will allow for this.
My children will probably benefit from this bond issue and have a chance to attend the new Berg Middle School, and that’s great. But I am not voting yes on Sept. 13 because a new Berg Middle School will benefit my children. I am voting yes because a new middle school is what’s best for our community. Please join me in voting yes so we can continue to build on the positive momentum we have built in Newton.
Chad Klein
Newton