The rumblings have been coming for some time. What will happen to the 143 year old West Virginia School For the Deaf and Blind in Romney?
Assessments over the past year have raised questions. Why keep the school in Romney? How can the state afford to pay to maintain historically significant, but dilapidated and unused buildings? In what ways must the school update itself to meet 21st century guidelines?
Estimates run as high as $80 million to renovate the campus and its curriculum to meet modern guidelines.
The location vexes many. Why did the state put the school there in the first place? The first generation of West Virginia state leaders sprinkled state institutions in different regions. Most state jobs at the time were political appointments, so state institutions were seen as a good way to build party strength. A story, perhaps apocryphal, says that Moundsville could have had West Virginia University, but chose the penitentiary instead because it offered more state jobs.
State law requires that the school remain in Romney. It is unlikely that other legislators will desire to oppose Hampshire County's senators and delegates while also aligning themselves against an inevitable parade of disabled children and their supporters.
If Montgomery was able to prevent the sensible move of the school formerly known as West Virginia Tech to Charleston, the removal of this school from Romney is highly unlikely.
So it will likely stay put. But how should it change and where will the money come from?
Currently the school only uses a fraction of its campus for educational purposes.
So here's a thought. It may not even be doable. But ideas are always worth debating.
First, do what colleges and universities do. Hire a development team to raise money to refurbish the campus. If the state makes a commitment to keep the school there, fundraisers can put donor names on every building. They can even put plaques on every quarter acre.
Second, think beyond now. What else can the school offer with its unused space? Can it offer specialized digital classes to other schools and parents across the country? Can it put together a post graduate training center to educate teachers from all over on how to work with deaf or blind children?
In other words, how can this beautiful and historical space be best utilized to not only serve the children of West Virginia, but also help to advance the field of disabled education?
This can be done under the current regime. It might, however, offer better results if a non profit organization came together as a partner. A non profit could take over currently unused sections of the campus and expand programs while partnering with and enriching the traditional mission.
Such an institution would certainly provide significant economic impact for Romney and Hampshire County. A non profit that can attract out of state funds would perform that function much better than relying solely on taxpayer efforts.
It could be done. It is at least worth a discussion.
Showing posts with label Hampshire County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hampshire County. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Economic Recovery Funds in the Potomac Highlands
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Agency: Other Category: Public Safety Amount: $3,179.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $25,392.00
Title I Grants
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $306,498.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $532,005.00
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Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Agency: Other
Category: Public Safety Amount: $3,680.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $30,096.00
Title I Grants
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $258,284.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $630,587.00
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Description: RESURFACING Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $4,000,000.00
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Agency: Other
Category: Public Safety Amount: $4,785.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $48,628.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $2,250.00
Title I Grants
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $639,553.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $1,018,796.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $47,118.00
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Mineral County
Mineral St
Description: RESURFACING Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $1,131,000.00
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Agency: Other
Category: Public Safety Amount: $6,953.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $57,561.00
Title I Grants
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $729,237.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency:Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $1,206,063.00
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Judy Gap Bridge
Description: BRIDGE LMC Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $462,000.00
4-U Bridge
Description: BRIDGE C&P Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $232,000.00
Deer Run Park
Description: BRIDGE REPLACE Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $575,000.00
Rough Run
Description: BRIDGE REPLACE Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $875,000.00
Smith Creek to Franklin Rd
Description: SLIDES Agency: Department of Transportation
Category: Transportation Amount: $1,000,000.00
IDEA Part B Preschool Allocation
Description: Special Education Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $14,206.00
Title I Grants
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $119,618.00
IDEA Part B School Age Allocation
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education Amount: $297,636.00
Friday, August 1, 2008
Completing Corridor H
According to West Virginia Metro News, the Appalachian Development Highway System (also known as the corridor system) will be completed in twelve years. This includes the completion of Corridor H which will eventually link Moorefield and Elkins.
The Appalachian highways have accomplished a great deal for certain areas of the state. According to Anne Pope, the nation gets back $3 for every $1 invested because of development. Corridor G linking Charleston to the coalfields has seen tremendous growth in the Charleston suburbs. Likely the finishing of Corridor H will have a similar effect in Moorefield and elsewhere since a lot of Washington DC bound traffic will find this route extremely convenient. The ease of travel on these roads should reduce fatalities while making the older two lane roads safer for scenic driving.
However this federal investment should be seen only as a foundation, not as the end. Reforms at the state level to lower taxes and reduce regulations will be needed if economic growth is to occur beyond the immediate vicinity of the highways. The region served by Corridor H at one time was very prosperous. When the railroads connected towns such as Davis to the national network, the region dveloped quickly because of a business friendly environment although some abuses did occur. Our state leaders need to drastically improve the business climate while keeping some protections in place. That will enable the people of West Virginia to get the maximum benefit from the new roads.
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In other local news, $93,000 in federal funds for the Hampshire County Sheriff's Department has just cleared its first hurdle. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito helped the funding get past the House Appropriations Committee. If the Democratic Congress approves the funding, it will be used to update records management, facilitate communications between the sheriff's office and other jurisdictions, and fund other necessary items.
The Appalachian highways have accomplished a great deal for certain areas of the state. According to Anne Pope, the nation gets back $3 for every $1 invested because of development. Corridor G linking Charleston to the coalfields has seen tremendous growth in the Charleston suburbs. Likely the finishing of Corridor H will have a similar effect in Moorefield and elsewhere since a lot of Washington DC bound traffic will find this route extremely convenient. The ease of travel on these roads should reduce fatalities while making the older two lane roads safer for scenic driving.
However this federal investment should be seen only as a foundation, not as the end. Reforms at the state level to lower taxes and reduce regulations will be needed if economic growth is to occur beyond the immediate vicinity of the highways. The region served by Corridor H at one time was very prosperous. When the railroads connected towns such as Davis to the national network, the region dveloped quickly because of a business friendly environment although some abuses did occur. Our state leaders need to drastically improve the business climate while keeping some protections in place. That will enable the people of West Virginia to get the maximum benefit from the new roads.
*************************************************************
In other local news, $93,000 in federal funds for the Hampshire County Sheriff's Department has just cleared its first hurdle. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito helped the funding get past the House Appropriations Committee. If the Democratic Congress approves the funding, it will be used to update records management, facilitate communications between the sheriff's office and other jurisdictions, and fund other necessary items.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Shelley Moore Capito Delivers on National Security Again
The nightmare scenario that few of us want to think about and that the liberals want to pretend won't happen is all too possible. Imagine a WMD strike on Washington DC, turning the metropolitan area too "hot" for habitation. Hundreds of thousands flee the stricken area. Our region turns into the front line of the war on terror.
In such a situation, those guarding the ramparts ensuring our safety become our National Guard, state troopers, and fire fighters. That is why Representative Shelley Moore Capito's work to secure a $66,500 grant for the Capon Springs Volunteer fire department is so vital. As Capito explains, “The Capon Springs Volunteer Fire Department is vital to the local community, but faces challenges with limited financial resources." The equipment such grants help these departments obtain will prove vital whether these men and women respond to a local emergency or regional disaster. According to Capito, “This grant will help purchase a much needed mobile compressor trailer that will service all fire departments in the area. These are volunteers that willingly serve their neighbors in need and it’s important that they have the resources to do their job.”
Once again our Republican Representative in Congress has shown that her office can bring home needed help for some of our most necessary organizations, even when hers is the minority party. We should be thankful for Representative Capito. While liberals in the House of Representatives raise the bar on foolishness, for example debating articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney of all people, at least Representative Capito and other Republicans get some real and important work accomplished.
In such a situation, those guarding the ramparts ensuring our safety become our National Guard, state troopers, and fire fighters. That is why Representative Shelley Moore Capito's work to secure a $66,500 grant for the Capon Springs Volunteer fire department is so vital. As Capito explains, “The Capon Springs Volunteer Fire Department is vital to the local community, but faces challenges with limited financial resources." The equipment such grants help these departments obtain will prove vital whether these men and women respond to a local emergency or regional disaster. According to Capito, “This grant will help purchase a much needed mobile compressor trailer that will service all fire departments in the area. These are volunteers that willingly serve their neighbors in need and it’s important that they have the resources to do their job.”
Once again our Republican Representative in Congress has shown that her office can bring home needed help for some of our most necessary organizations, even when hers is the minority party. We should be thankful for Representative Capito. While liberals in the House of Representatives raise the bar on foolishness, for example debating articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney of all people, at least Representative Capito and other Republicans get some real and important work accomplished.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Recycling Just Not Feasible
In principle, recycling is a good idea. Reusing already processed materials over again can reduce stress on the environment in the form of resource extraction and garbage. However principles must always balance with reality as the Hampshire County Commission has discovered.
When studying the Monongalia County model Hampshire County's leaders concluded that even with a $100,000 start up grant, a program could not maintain itself in the long run. Hampshire shares the same problem as the rest of the Potomac Highlands counties studying this issue. A disbursed and low population combined with prohibitive expenses means recycling end up being an intolerable financial burden. Not to mention that recycling requires more than just the placement of bins. People need to spend time separating the various components and also need to refrain from simply dumping all their garbage in the bins.
Recycling has grown so prevalent around the country that a low level of demand exists for these products. It is not worth the money for a private firm to pick up the materials from rural areas when cities provide a glut. Most local governments also cannot afford to pick up the tab when they cannot even pay enough money to maintain a full complement of sheriff's deputies.
The best hope for the idea of recycling lies in the forms that people can do most easily. Promoting the reuse of plastic containers or glass jars instead of purchasing Tupperware type products is one way. Others recycle old auto parts. They keep non running vehicles on their property for parts to maintain cars that do still run. This conserves valuable metal resources.
However at this point, expecting the taxpayers to pick up the tab for recycling just is not feasible for rural West Virginia counties.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A Tale of Two Hampshires
When I glanced at the Hampshire Review today, two stories stood out. The first story alerted the region that yet another politician had violated public trust. The sum of $100,000 evaporated from county coffers. Funny business with public funds is nothing new unfortunately.
Next came the story covering Hampshire High School's graduation. It accompanied a photo of 2007 graduates just as they reached up to move their tassels, symbolically marking their ascension to the next level in their lives, whatever that may be.
These young men and women represent a large part of their county's future, but how much has the past affected them? Has the county educational system's corrupt misdeeds and outrages that colored their school years angered the graduates? Or did they learn that corruption is the way it has always been done and that no one can change it? Will they make their lives in the county? Will they give up on it and hope that another place has government for the people, not for dishonest politicians and paid for by the people?
Certainly Hampshire County has people and politicians that are mad as hell and do not want to take it anymore. They thirst for clean government and honest development. Are there enough of these good, honest people to overcome the corrupt and apathetic segments? These new graduates could make the difference one way or the other.
Will enough of them have the faith in themselves and their community to stand up and demand better from all of their government officials? If they do, a prosperous future for that community is certain.
Next came the story covering Hampshire High School's graduation. It accompanied a photo of 2007 graduates just as they reached up to move their tassels, symbolically marking their ascension to the next level in their lives, whatever that may be.
These young men and women represent a large part of their county's future, but how much has the past affected them? Has the county educational system's corrupt misdeeds and outrages that colored their school years angered the graduates? Or did they learn that corruption is the way it has always been done and that no one can change it? Will they make their lives in the county? Will they give up on it and hope that another place has government for the people, not for dishonest politicians and paid for by the people?
Certainly Hampshire County has people and politicians that are mad as hell and do not want to take it anymore. They thirst for clean government and honest development. Are there enough of these good, honest people to overcome the corrupt and apathetic segments? These new graduates could make the difference one way or the other.
Will enough of them have the faith in themselves and their community to stand up and demand better from all of their government officials? If they do, a prosperous future for that community is certain.
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