Two years ago, as a selectman and member of the School Building Committee, I stood in front of Town Meeting and enthusiastically supported the feasibility study for the K-wing. As presented, the study would deal with “the K-wing issues, bring the 1988 building up to code and ADA compliance, and be reimbursed 45% percent.” At no time was there mention of replacing the entire school or performing essentially a “gut” rehab of the 1988 building. In response to a question regarding tearing down a building, the superintendent even replied, “We’re only talking about the K-wing.”
Last week the Harvard Press pointed out “that the committee had never considered a bare-bones code upgrade and repair option,” and as one School Building Committee member characterized rehab plans for the 1988 building, “I wouldn’t call it a gut job, but close to it.” Despite claims to the contrary, and the expenditure of $500,000, voters never actually saw the cost of the simple Massachusetts School Building Authority-reimbursable K-wing replacement and code-compliant renovation of the 1988 building that was promised at Town Meeting. Rather, we have a contrived choice of options crafted to make the “all-new” $54 million proposal seem like the only choice. Read the article!
We are a community supportive of education, but we’re smart about it. Harvard has been lean and mean to avoid regionalization. There is no choice with a negligible commercial tax base. At one time, we shared the town finance director/school business manager and principal/superintendent positions. During those times Harvard’s schools stood head and shoulders above our neighbors. Our resources were focused on our teachers. What happens if the Devens money goes away or there is an economic downturn? Some can afford the high taxes, and some can’t. Operating overrides have failed in the past and will fail again. Are we prepared to lay off teachers? Is a new building really worth the risk of larger class sizes?
This expensive proposal is bad for Harvard. Make the schools do what they promised in 2016. Vote no on May 5 and 8. We need a better way for Harvard’s schools.
Ron Ricci
East Bare Hill Road
