Balance needed with I.C. school planning

With all the discussion this summer about handling growth within the Iowa City Community School District, I urge the school board and administration to bring balance to the district and stop feeding lopsided growth.

By building a new east-side grade school, utilizing existing space by adjusting boundaries and bringing older buildings up to the standard of the newer buildings, this can be accomplished.

There have been no new elementary schools built on the east side of Iowa City since 1970. Yet, since 1993, five new elementary schools were built in the north and western fringes of our district. Little to no boundary changes have been made in the district (unless needed for a new school building), wasting space in our buildings and precious taxpayer dollars. Maintenance of older buildings has been minimal, embarrassing.

Please plan for the future with balance, flexibility and economy in mind, while planning throughout the district.

Beth Beasley

Iowa City