Letter to the editor: Residents should vote yes
Please note: This letter reflects opinions regarding the November 2022 school referendum to construct a new, combined elementary and middle school. It does not represent the current 2024 Cape Elizabeth school proposal.
BY ELIZA MATHESON
Town residents should vote YES to rebuild Pond Cove/CE Middle School and renovate CEHS. This issue has been extensively discussed over the course of 80 meetings. We have renovated many times (including 1994’s project, which I spent in a portable at PCES.) We are perpetually chasing our tail with costly repairs and soaring energy bills. The current schools’ sprawling
floor plan creates barriers to learning, hinders equitable access to services and inhibits productive collaboration.
These facilities have reached the end of their functional lifespan and fail to meet the needs of 21st century learners and educators. Nevertheless, our students and teachers have remained flexible — through it all. They have continuously done what we have asked of them, despite the ongoing safety, maintenance and functionality issues.
Renovate or rebuild, our taxes will go up. We will all need to plan for this. I do not discount anyone’s concerns about such increases. But I would rather make a plan than kick the can. Let’s make this investment last 50+ years instead of buying 15 years of delay, deteriorating conditions and rising costs. At that point, CEHS may well also be ready for a rebuild of its own. Rebuilding PCES/CEMS and renovating CEHS will be less disruptive, will create more functional spaces for learners and educators, and will make strides towards equitably meeting the needs of our students in an ever changing world.
