SILVIS, Ill. -
This might be the best chance to replace aging and outdated George O. Barr School in Silvis. It's on the list of shovel-ready projects that could get federal funding from the stimulus package.
A trumpet call leads the way to a music room at the school on Thursday. That's where getting stimulus money plays like a sweet melody. Not far away, Regional Superintendent Joe Vermeire inspects the school's cafeteria. For him, the plan offers food for thought.
"The feds have 30 days to get the money to the states," he said. "The states have 60 days to get the money to shovel-ready projects. Silvis is ready to build this school."
It hasn't been easy trying to replace the aging and outdated classrooms. There were lots of big promises in past years.
"12 million dollars in state funds to help pay for the building this school needs," then- Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared during a stop at the school in 2004.
The pledge was followed by years of frustration and state snafus.
"When the governor came with the big check, our granddaughter was in the seventh grade," Silvis Mayor Lyle Lohse recalled. "She graduates from high school this year."
The long wait is even more ironic. That's because the school could finally get its funding during this national downturn.
But as youngsters participate in festivities for Lincoln's birthday, it will cost much more for the new school. The price is climbing from $16 to $25 million dollars.
"It's very upsetting that our taxpayers and our students have had to wait," said Silvis Superintendent Ray Burgles. "Hopefully, it all will end well."
A rusty drinking fountain symbolizes the need for a new school. A new era in Washington and Springfield could finally get it done.
"I think that the one thing that's back in Springfield is trust," said State Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline). "You can do anything, including getting the Silvis school finished."
Something worth a fanfare at George O. Barr School.
A trumpet call leads the way to a music room at the school on Thursday. That's where getting stimulus money plays like a sweet melody. Not far away, Regional Superintendent Joe Vermeire inspects the school's cafeteria. For him, the plan offers food for thought.
"The feds have 30 days to get the money to the states," he said. "The states have 60 days to get the money to shovel-ready projects. Silvis is ready to build this school."
It hasn't been easy trying to replace the aging and outdated classrooms. There were lots of big promises in past years.
"12 million dollars in state funds to help pay for the building this school needs," then- Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared during a stop at the school in 2004.
The pledge was followed by years of frustration and state snafus.
"When the governor came with the big check, our granddaughter was in the seventh grade," Silvis Mayor Lyle Lohse recalled. "She graduates from high school this year."
The long wait is even more ironic. That's because the school could finally get its funding during this national downturn.
But as youngsters participate in festivities for Lincoln's birthday, it will cost much more for the new school. The price is climbing from $16 to $25 million dollars.
"It's very upsetting that our taxpayers and our students have had to wait," said Silvis Superintendent Ray Burgles. "Hopefully, it all will end well."
A rusty drinking fountain symbolizes the need for a new school. A new era in Washington and Springfield could finally get it done.
"I think that the one thing that's back in Springfield is trust," said State Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline). "You can do anything, including getting the Silvis school finished."
Something worth a fanfare at George O. Barr School.
