Opinion: Our Community Will Face a Choice That Effects Property Values

One of the biggest factors determining property values in any community is the quality of its schools. Families locating to a new area are often swayed on what house to purchase by the quality and choice of schools. Fort Wayne is no exception.The Southwood Park area is fortunate to have educational choices. We have strong private schools nearby and we have a strong choice of public schools nearby and across the district that our children can attend. This diversity of choice is a reason this is a great place to live.Potential home buyers can be swayed into making a different choice if they see a run-down house on the block with deferred maintenance.  I'd say the same applies to schools.Will the citizens of this school district choose to defer maintenance on our schools? What effect will that have on our community's property values in the long term?--- Steve McCord