Recognition long overdue

Last week, a friend and I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the new Taylor Creek Elementary School. I had high expectations that the people who were so instrumental in securing the new school for Kempner and the east end of Lampasas County would be duly recognized.

Dr. Brant Myers, superintendent of the Lampasas Independent School District, gave introductory remarks. He mentioned how hard everyone worked for so long to get the school, even after the first school bond election failed. School board members and other key people had the honor of turning the first shovelfuls of dirt. Others in the large crowd were singled out for special recognition.

To my astonishment, however, two -- Walter L. Prugh and Ray Upp -- who have worked diligently for construction of a new school for Kempner were not recognized. They were in attendance, though.

Mr. Prugh and Mr. Upp have long supported the creation of a public school to serve the rapidly growing east end. In fact, years ago, they served on a Blue Ribbon committee that explored the feasibility of the Lampasas ISD building a school for the Kempner area.

Significantly, Mr. Prugh and Mr. Upp opposed the bond issue in the fall of 2006 that called for construction of a new Lampasas High School. A new school for Kempner was not in the original bond issue. Mr. Prugh, Mr. Upp and others strenuously objected to what they felt was a glaring omission. Apparently they are paying now for being a fly in the ointment to LISD officials.

A second bond election was proposed that called for not only a new Lampasas High School but also a Kempner elementary for kindergarten through fifth grade. Residents of Kempner and the east end of Lampasas County owe a world of gratitude to Mr. Prugh and Mr. Upp for the fact that a Kempner school will now be a reality.

It is a shame LISD officials could not bring themselves to give credit where it's due: to two dedicated men who have worked so tirelessly for a Kempner school. Mr. Prugh and Mr. Upp did not receive a personal invitation to the groundbreaking, as they should have. They were not singled out at the event for the recognition they were due -- though school officials could tell they were in the crowd. The treatment of these two hard-working men was unacceptable and inexcusable.

I can only hope they know how much the people of Kempner and eastern Lampasas County are indebted to them. Thank you, Judge Prugh and Mr. Upp. I, and many others, appreciate all you have done. Taylor Creek Elementary School will be a lasting testament to your concern for our students and their families, and this fact should be a tremendous source of encouragement to you that your efforts have been most successful.

Josie Overton