Sharon Herald
August 19, 2010

A sign outside the Farrell school Wednesday read “Welcome Congressman Jason Altmire.”

And welcome he was.

After visiting with some of the football players practicing near the school, the former Florida State University Seminole walk-on and now U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District delivered a check for $200,000 to the district for library improvements such as extended hours, more staff, Internet access and of course, books…

“Sometimes elected officials hear our pleas and take our requests and we never hear from them again, but Congressman Altmire is different,” School Superintendent Lora Adams-King said Wednesday morning before accepting the check. “Today is a special day in the life of Farrell school and the Farrell community at large and the even larger Mercer County.”

Altmire toured Farrell High and its library more than a year ago and noticed many of the books were from the 1980s or even the 1960s. When he asked students what they were interested in studying, one student said history and pulled out a civics book from 1980.

“I can still remember how excited he was (about history),”Altmire said, adding that now students won’t have to use such outdated materials because of the funding.

“No student should have a history book from 1980. No student should have a science book from 1989,” he said.

The library, which is being remodeled, will reopen in October. Thirty laptop computers and ten desktop computers will be available to students as well as the community because the renovated library will have a door leading outside and will be open for extended hours to the public.
“We want to say to you Congressman, that this is an investment,” said Mrs. Adams-King. “And you will never regret the limb you went out on.”

Altmire, who faces Republican Keith Rothfus in November, is a member of the House Education and Labor Committee and earmarked the $200,000 from the federal budget for the project. The library renovations are being paid for by a no-interest Qualified School Construction Bond through the state.

The event Wednesday morning was attended by numerous school board members, city officials, and school representatives.

School Board President Terrance Harrison commended Altmire for fighting for his district and reminding “folks up in Washington” that “Farrell is still here, Farrell is still thriving.”

“Our children love to read; our children love the library,” Harrison said. “We appreciate you and we’re looking to do more work with you in the future.”