POCA -- The Putnam County Schools bond that is on the ballot for the special Aug. 29 election has at least one group of ardent backers.

The Community Schools Coalition to Catch-Up is a grassroots organization formed specifically to support the $56.7 million bond issue. Made up of community, business, labor and education leaders, the organization held a press conference on Tuesday at Poca Middle School to share its goals with the community.

The bond, if passed, would fund construction of new buildings for Buffalo High School, Poca and Winfield middle schools and Confidence Elementary School. It would also fund major renovations and additions to Poca Elementary and new auxiliary gymnasiums for all four high schools in the county.

"With an increase of only $10 per month for the average taxpayer, our community coalition believes this is a great opportunity for Putnam County," Coalition President John Wilson said in a press release. "Quality school facilities are imperative for attracting new industry to Putnam County. Our schools must have the infrastructure for technology to prepare children for the 21st Century, and we urge the citizens of our community to vote for the bond."

If the bond passes, the West Virginia School Building Authority will contribute an additional $21.7 million.

Wilson noted that the bond issue is not a levy; funds generated from the bond will be used only for construction and renovations, not for school operations, salaries or administrative costs. If the bond is passed, construction would start immediately, he said.

Wilson said the bond would reduce the use of portable classrooms, and the Coalition believes Putnam County students "deserve a better learning environment than school trailers."

Voters who are interested in learning more about the bond can go to the community coalition's Web site, www.PutnamSchoolBond.com.

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