History does tend to repeat itself—unfortunately, we don’t always learn from it. I’ve lived in town for 17 years and have been civically active for the last 11 years. Long enough to see the town make some significant decisions, some very good and some very bad. Approving the plans for the Hildreth Elementary School project could be the best decision I’ve seen (right after the new library); voting it down would rank as the worst decision I’ve seen the town make.
As I see it, our options are clear; we either fix a problem that has festered for over 14 years (16, by the time a new school is built), or we elect to forgo state aid and execute on a renovation project, which, as with many renovation projects, can have unforeseen complications leading to spiraling costs and that wouldn’t be done for three to five years.
The property tax burden between going with a well-thought-out and researched plan with state aid (like we now have) versus a renovation project with no state aid is less than 20 percent. I’ve followed this process very closely; it was well done and transparent, and it looked at needs, wants, state and town requirements, and educational requirements for the 21st century. All options were thoroughly explored. The proposed plan for HES supports all interested parties: kids, empty-nesters, and seniors by keeping our schools strong and property values up.
Vote yes for the HES building project; let’s not repeat bad decisions of penny-wise and pound-foolish. The HES building project needs to pass both at Annual Town Meeting on May 5 at 9 a.m., with a two-thirds vote, and at Town Election on May 8, by a majority vote; polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both events are at the Bromfield School. I hope to see you there.
Stu Sklar
Scott Road
