It has been a pleasure to be a part of this community for the past two years.  I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing collegues and some amazing kids.  The amount of dedication by the school district and the community to make sure our kids have a well rounded and quaility education is second to no one.

     I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to be the leader of the football program here.  It has been a very rewarding two years and I look forward to many more.

     I was asked to be on the facilities committee meeting for the possible upcoming bond issue.  It has been a great experience with a great diverse group of people.  It has been a great learning experience and very neat to see how others from our community view our school and view our facilities.

     On May 25th after 4 meetings and several tours, we came to the conclusion to recommend to the board of directors a 15.4 million dollar bond issue.  The board will now have to look at our recommendations and fine tune them and vote on whether or not to proceed with a bond issue.

     On the possible bond issue will be a much needed auditorium, an athletic complex and upgrades to each building.  All of the things being bonded for are much needed for the continued growth of our school district and our community.  These upgrades will ocntinue to give our kids the best opportunity for success in all areas of our school: academics, fine arts, and athletics.

     The auditorium being proposed will be a 750+ seat performance theatre.  It will give our talented students an opportunity to showcase their talents for our community on a stage they deserve.  It was listed as one of the top priorities for the school and I am excited to see what our amazing fine arts department can do with this facility.

     The proposal also features additions and remodeling to all of the buildings in our district,  This will provide us with better educational opportunies and meet the needs of a wide range of kids.

     The bond also addresses the need to uprgrade our tennis courts.  This is long over due and an eyesore for our school and the front porch to our campus.

     Finally the bond will address and provide us with a new athletic complex.  This complex is not "just a football field."  Instead it offers the most use per single facility by nearly every student in our school.  The artificial turf will benefit some of the following groups, football, band, cross country, soccer, track, softball, baseball, and physical education classes. This is not an all inclusive list there will be other opportunities for other activities to use this facility.  

     When we asked our amazing band director Scott Weber he said that he is 100% behind a turf surface.  He would have band practice on the facility and he mentioned it would lessen the wear and tear on his very expensive equipment.  

     With this bond proposal we would also have an 8 lane track.  This would give our very successful track programs the opportunity to finally host a home track meet.  

     It was mentioned last night that we have had tremendous success in athletics not because of, but in spite of our facilities.  It is important that our facilites match the quality of our coaching and athletic abilities.

     One of the things I preach about nearly every day in class is that knowledge is power.  It is important to be informed when you make a vote this fall.  Don't just listen to the nay sayers who do not want progress and say NO to virtually everything.  Get the facts and decide for yourself if this bond issue will help our kids progress as well rounded students.  

     Change can be a challenge and it will cost some money, but it doesn't mean it is bad.  The legacy of Mount Vernon Football is amazing and I have always embraced it.  The second phone call I made after a call to my dad was to Coach Bellamy.  What he did here as a football coach, mentor and father figure is second to no one.  I appreciate and honor that.  The current game field has had some amazing games played there.  I have played on that field, my son has played on that field, I know the history and embrace it.  Even after the successful bond issue and a new facility built the time, effort, and money spent on that field will not go to waste.  There will be a plan for that field.

     However, a facility on campus that is a multi-sport, multi-gender, that includes a piece for fine arts and academics is by far the best option.  Our kids deserve this, one lady last night said that she wanted the best for her grandkids.  This is the best for them and for all of the kids of this community.  

     I challenge you to make an informed decision.  Listen to the nay sayers who don't want to move the field.  Listen to the people on the fence.  Listen to the educators, coaches, and people for it and make an informed decision.  It is not just a football field we are voting for here.  It is a bond that will move our district into the next century and best prepare our kids for the future.  

     Feel free to email me with questions and or comments.  lpedersen@mountvernon.k12.is.us.

Go Mustang!

Coach Pedersen