Physical environment matters
BY KAREN M. HESSEL
As a “boomer” and senior living in Cape Elizabeth for nearly 20 years, I need to express my deep concern about our commitment to educational excellence in Cape that puts the future condition of the buildings in jeopardy. This seems to be a lightning rod for community decision making. I fully support Option E, to bring the school buildings up to the standards essential for quality education to take place. The next steps need to be sustainable over decades without facing one maintenance crisis after another because of flawed choices.
Preoccupation with taxes is distressing. We moved here from New Jersey (check out the taxes there) from an excellent school district and chose Cape for quality of life with a clear commitment to its schools. Now is the time to fund excellent quality buildings with up to date design, long lasting structures with energy efficient and safe facilities along with top notch faculty and staff. This will assure your/our property values will remain a solid investment.
Even more important, whether young parents or elders and grandparents, we want all of the children in our community to benefit from a shared commitment by investing in our schools. The physical environment matters and directly impacts the educational experience. I am honestly shocked and angry that folks who could afford to move into Cape based on our schools reputation now want to argue about taxes. Your/our future property values and the future of all OUR children depends on doing this well.
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