MOLINE, Illinois -
Republican and Democratic leaders are joining forces to support the Kids First referendum. A yes vote on April 7th will establish a one-cent sales tax to fund school constuction and facilities in Rock Island County.
It isn't easy trying to replace aging and outdated clasrooms at George O. Barr School in Silvis. Big promises in the past followed by frustration and state snafus.
"We're very appreciative of this bipartisan support," said Tom Getz, Kids First co-chair.
Reasons why the local political leaders stand together in Moline on Thursday. They're backing the tax to support 11 districts in Rock Island County.
"It's the children that count, and that's why we're doing it," said Lu Ann Kerr, Rock Island Democrats.
In Rock Island County, the average age of schools is 54. That means districts have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to facilities.
The tax would pump about $12 million each year into school improvements inside and out. It's investing in the future.
"If we can attract young families, young professionals and more people into this county, that helps us to grow the community," said Mary Lagerblade, Kids First co-chair.
The local option sales tax has been a hit in Scott County for years. At Davenport's Jefferson-Edison School, it created everything from a new computer lab to energy efficient technology.
"We're only separated by one bridge," said Susie Carpentier, Rock Island Republicans. "When you're making a decision as to where you're going to live, it's very important to have up to date modern schools that our children deserve."
It's all about education, economic development and building healthy communities.
"Anybody moving into the area with school age children, first thing they want to know about is the school district," said Getz. "And we're falling behind."
A chance to raise the bar at George O. Barr School and others on April 7th.
It isn't easy trying to replace aging and outdated clasrooms at George O. Barr School in Silvis. Big promises in the past followed by frustration and state snafus.
"We're very appreciative of this bipartisan support," said Tom Getz, Kids First co-chair.
Reasons why the local political leaders stand together in Moline on Thursday. They're backing the tax to support 11 districts in Rock Island County.
"It's the children that count, and that's why we're doing it," said Lu Ann Kerr, Rock Island Democrats.
In Rock Island County, the average age of schools is 54. That means districts have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to facilities.
The tax would pump about $12 million each year into school improvements inside and out. It's investing in the future.
"If we can attract young families, young professionals and more people into this county, that helps us to grow the community," said Mary Lagerblade, Kids First co-chair.
The local option sales tax has been a hit in Scott County for years. At Davenport's Jefferson-Edison School, it created everything from a new computer lab to energy efficient technology.
"We're only separated by one bridge," said Susie Carpentier, Rock Island Republicans. "When you're making a decision as to where you're going to live, it's very important to have up to date modern schools that our children deserve."
It's all about education, economic development and building healthy communities.
"Anybody moving into the area with school age children, first thing they want to know about is the school district," said Getz. "And we're falling behind."
A chance to raise the bar at George O. Barr School and others on April 7th.
