Virginia Justicz’s “Consider This” article of March 16 takes a protectionist view of the Harvard school system that fails to recognize the constant and inherent unpredictable flow of students from year to year. Often when unexpected change does surface, there is not enough time to react without considerable pain. Planning and projections must be aggressively updated every year. To forego the opportunity to maintain a flow of a predictable student population financed from an out-of-town source at full per-pupil costs would be a disservice to our community.
In light of uncertainty generated from inherently fuzzy projections, it is incumbent on the School Committee to negotiate specific space “if-then” provisions in the Devens-Harvard contract that trigger joint responsibilities to address and fund space needs. In reality the Devens-Harvard contract creates many of the features of a regional school district. As with a regional system all problems are a joint responsibility. So should it be in this contract relationship.
For Devens residents and the Devens community to experience constant threats to drop Devens when space problems are projected does us a disservice. We are entrusting our most precious to you every day. The way to treat a valued partner is with respect, appreciation, and loyalty.
Phil Crosby
Devens
