1913

That was the year of the famous Harry Houdini's water torture cell. And still there was one older building on the MTV High campus. A second was added 7 years later--the one I taught in for 30 years.

But yesterday the denizens of MTV and its 13 feeder school parents voted to raise their taxes and build a new township high school. A feat not unsimilar to Harry's. At least 3 other times, the referendum had been voted down. Pretty convincingly. But not so yesterday.

When our son called with the news, he didn't know I was watching with garlic rather than bated breath, I mean I had cooked out some steaks on our wonderful new grill and added the required garlic sea salt, he was extremely excited. He and his oldest daughter had attended a St. Lou Cardinal game and had been texted by his wife the good news. In just a little over one year, his daughter will be attending the school. But also he's an active member of the community and he knows how, if for no other reason, it's a mighty good move for the business community as well.

I told him I didn't know when I had been prouder of my hometown. They recognized a sore need and despite an increase in local taxes in an economy that may take some time to rebound, it was a sacrificial move for some.

Kudos all around to MTV. There's still a ton of work to be done, but I'm sure that Brandon, Doug, Matthew and a slew of others are up to the task. A job very well done.