By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

LIBERTY TWP. - Mike Bodette likes the plan the Lakota Facilities Committee has for elementary students, but when his three young children reach high school, he doesn't want them to feel like they're just a number.

And that's why the West Chester father isn't convinced that the community truly wants two large high schools and two freshmen schools, as proposed by the committee. Bodette's preference is four high schools, each housing students in Grades 9-12.

"I think the plan is very good as far as grade schools go," Bodette said after a recent public hearing at Shawnee Elementary School. "I still disagree with the district on two large high schools."

Since the committee presented its findings last month, Lakota officials have been going to different Lakota schools, presenting the plan and getting input. More than 125 people have attended the five sessions so far. The final two will be this week.

The $63.8 million plan calls for construction of two elementary schools, one of which would replace Union Elementary; building a second freshman school and renovating or expanding four other schools. Board members have pledged Union won't remain empty or become an eyesore.

The plan is needed because projections call for enrollment to grow from today's 16,377 students to 17,340 by 2006 and 17,932 by 2010.

Dale Ann Watkins is impressed with how the board uses the tax dollars it has. The size of Lakota East and West high schools doesn't bother her - provided the academics offerings remain diverse.

"I'm OK with it (big size). I don't think it's bad ... as long as the programs are there and class size is not huge. (Those things) are more important."

Board members are eyeing a March ballot issue but haven't finalized the millage yet. The exact amount and type of issue won't be determined until officials pin down renovation costs and figure in operating dollars.

But Treasurer Alan Hutchinson said the bond issue part of the ballot issue would be about two mills.

He said the district faces a $20 million deficit during the 2005-06 school year.

If you go

Two final presentations to explain and get public comments on a $65.8 million facilities plan will be held this week. They are set for:

Tuesday: Liberty Elementary, 6040 Princeton Road

Thursday: Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane