Please print this letter-to-the-Editor before October 26.
The MVLA school board has scheduled one night game on October 26, with temporary lights, at the MVHS football field. We were among the neighbors of the school who were opposed to this game at the board meeting. We are also among the MANY neighbors of MVHS who are strong supporters of the school. We have contributed to the school and volunteer as tutors. We think MVHS is a great school with many wonderful young people! Our opposition for this game was toward the planning process used. We were certainly not trying to deny the students a fun and safe experience.
Since the board meeting, the school district has taken over the planning for this game. We want to thank the school administrators for getting the neighbors involved in this planning process – even if it is late. We also want to note that a number of the board members have acknowledged how our feedback will result in a better experience for everyone involved with this game.
We appreciate the fact that the leaders at MVHS have worked in the past to maintain a good relationship with the neighbors of the school. It seems like the members of the Sports Boosters Club are acting without respect for this relationship and using this game to try to push through permanent lighting for night games at MVHS, without concern for its affect on the neighbors.
We learned at the board meeting that the estimate for installing permanent lights at MVHS would be about a half million dollars and would involve an environmental study. We know the school board is aware that they need to focus their funding and time on the academic requirements of the school.
We are not opposed to this one-time-only night game at the high school, if it is well planned. We are opposed to permanent lighting at the school. At the time of the school bond issue, the school board determined that upgrades to the fields would not include lights. They said lights would not be appropriate for this school, because the field is close to so many people’s homes — That is still true! If the MVHS Sports Boosters want several night games a year, they need to focus their attention on finding a more appropriate location for the games.
We hope everyone will keep in mind that we LIVE here. We do not come and go as the students, administrators, teachers, and most MVHS sports fans do. We have enjoyed living in this home and neighborhood for 34 years. Both of our daughters went to MVHS and had a very good experience there. We live on a street with people who are friendly, caring, and respectful of each other. We want to enjoy and support that same neighborly relationship with the MVHS community. To do this, we simply want to be included in the process and work with the rest of the community to find win-win solutions.
