Quality of schools draws families to Monticello

To the Editor,

     I graduated from Monticello High School and attended the middle school 20 years ago. The building was in dire need of repair and improvements back then and there have been no significant upgrades since. In fact, I specifically recall loud boiler pipes, how it was very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, the classrooms were small and the locker rooms were simply disgusting, next to the “new” gym.

     Quality of schools is one of the first things people look for when choosing a new home and community to live in. I have been in banking in the Monticello community for over 10 years and often have the privilege of helping people with real estate loans. It upsets me to know that we have lost good families to other communities due to the poor quality of our school buildings, in particular the middle school.

     Monticello is a great community with so many assets, the new track, library and Renaissance Center, pool, Youth Development Center, Camp Courageous and the Great Jones County Fair! It’s now time to invest in a new school and the future of Monticello, which will provide another great asset to our community, not to mention the positive economic development, school and community pride.

     Please join me in “Voting Yes” for the school bond election on Sept. 11.

Nick Miller

Loan Officer, Ohnward Bank & Trust

MHS graduate

Monticello, Iowa