The Community Action Facilities Team, or CFAT has narrowed their suggestion on the possible changes to secondary schools in town down to three concepts: Renovations to Rider and a brand new WFHS building, two schools one on then orth and one on the southside of town, or one centrally located super school and a freshman campus. All three plans include the addition of a state-of-the-art career and technology facility.

Now the school board will decide which plan or combination of plans to present to voters for a bond election that would give the district funds to build these schools if voters approve.

But why vote? If it’s not going to affect the seniors or juniors than why go through the hassle of voting?

“It’s about the tradition,” said English teacher Jennifer Doughty.

But another question that’s been asked is does Wichita Falls need new secondary schools.

“Yes,” says junior Colby Thompson. “We do need new schools. We have rat problems, ceiling tiles are falling out and yellowing; our campus is just gross, and compared to others we are way behind.”

Junior Austin Cook says that everything is temporarily patched and that the school needs more permanent fixes. Not everyone agrees though.

“I don’t think we need new schools, because I like it how it is,” says junior Alan Phan. “We’re used to having three schools, and changing that would cause conflict between rivalries.”

Another issue is property tax; a bond to build newer schools would increase property tax. The “Super School” concept seems to be getting the cold shoulder from the majority of students interviewed who are in favor for just renovating or rebuilding the schools. Another idea that has arisen is the seniors’ younger siblings/ relatives. Senior Paola Salas is concerned for her younger brothers, she said,

“I don’t want Old High kids with my brothers, I don’t like Old High kids.”

But it’s not just the students that are causing everyone to stray from the Super School concept. Sophomore Stacy Soveriegn doesn’t like the idea because of the fear of gang violence.

“There are gangs in both schools and none of them will get along,” said Soveriegn.

The most run-into answer though is that it won’t affect the seniors and most say they don’t care about the concepts because they’re graduating this year. But some seniors believe their voices should be heard on the issue.

“It’s our future generation, it does matter what we pass on,” senior Andrew Magana said. “We need to think about their education and not just ours.”