“Let’s see past the obfuscation”

BY BECKY BROSNAN

In 2025 we will have another opportunity to vote on a school building project. Construction costs will continue to rise until we finally pass something. As we consider how to vote, we should steel ourselves for the naysayers that will inevitably grace our social media and mailboxes.

Leading up to the November 2024 vote, after an extensive public engagement process, public support for building a new school surged. Just watch the public testimony and read the letters to the SBAC, School Board and Town Council to see what I mean. I am encouraged that the measure came VERY close to passing, despite The best efforts (and finances) of a few loud voices trying to throw us off track. This time around:

Beware of SBAC members who vowed they wanted a school project measure to pass, but when the option on the ballot wasn’t their first choice, did everything in their power to make sure it wouldn’t.

Beware of wealthy homeowners feigning concern for others while looking out for their own pocketbooks.

Beware of Armchair Architects throwing “new” ideas at the wall, trying to cause delay and confusion.

Our actual architects have been extremely responsive to the community, providing expertise on the short- and long-term costs of various options, the resulting disruption, and the educational and safety needs that would or would not be met. We are moving cooperatively toward a solution that will meet the moment.

Let’s see past the obfuscation. Vote YES on the school project in 2025.