Let’s take care of one another and especially our children

Written By Cape Elizabeth

Please note: This letter reflects opinions regarding the November 2024 “Middle Ground” school referendum. It does not represent the current 2025 Cape Elizabeth school proposal which is an updated and revised version.

BY ANIKA RUISCH

Do children need a state-of-the-art building to get a great education? Probably not. But can we do better than buildings with leaks, poor ventilation, safety, and security issues (currently anyone can enter the elementary and middle school buildings) and an HVAC system that reaches the same noise level as a descending aircraft? I would think so.

When these schools were built people did not have to be concerned about the ease of people accessing a school; this is something that needs to be addressed. It truly is a missed opportunity the town did not proactively plan for upkeep and renovations and that current residents are now being asked to jump in. It is not convenient or even fair, especially given the inflation, housing market and other undercurrents.

However, I think we can all agree that our children shouldn’t have to pay the price in our place. I consider myself very fortunate to live on a street and in a community where neighbors step up and take care of each other, during power outages, storms and everyday life.

Let’s make sure our town is one that continues to take care of one another, and especially our children.

 

In the news…

Op-Eds | Cape Elizabeth School Building Project
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Schools are ‘key foundations in communities’

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In that dark time, when no one knew how long the darkness would last, Cape voters thought about their kids, and about the future, and not just about their own pain. The Cape we enjoy today is the product of their confidence in the future. The Cape of 50 years from now depends on our being as bold and forward-thinking as they were.

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As a senior with neither kids nor grandchildren in the schools, I’m writing in support of a referendum to finance a new middle school in Cape.

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166 votes. That’s how close the vote on the school bond was. And while the bond lost, so much ground was made up. Cape is getting closer to finding a solution to fix our schools.

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I had the privilege of co-chairing the School Building Advisory Committee. I wanted to be involved because I believe in the strength of public education, and wanted to roll up my sleeves and help address our school's needs…. [and] I am voting to support the school bond.

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I joined the SBAC to share my experience as an architect who has worked on 50+ school design projects.

The design process, led by our industry leading Architect and Owner's Project Manager, was meticulous and transparent.

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Cape Voters Show Their Support in Latest Cape Courier
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The October 2, 2024 issue of The Cape Courier featured stories from Middle Ground supporters in the community. Did you find them all?

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As a newcomer to Cape Elizabeth, I feel it’s important to share my experience with the last school bond vote. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I got duped by all the glossy mailers…

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