Thank you, School Board
BY EZRA HUG
Please join me in thanking the School Board for their careful consideration of the recommendation from the School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC). After hearing from representatives of the 5-4 majority and minority about the merits of their preferred concepts, the board performed a detailed analysis of the recommended concept. Revisiting key priorities established by stakeholders, they applied a needs-based lens to the challenge at hand: meeting educational goals, staying within budget, and minimizing the impact on students and educators. There was an extensive Q&A session with our lead architect from Harriman. The board also provided valuable floor time to our educators, allowing school principals to speak about the practical impacts of various design elements.
The SBAC provided the board with a wealth of information: design concepts, community priorities, voter enthusiasm, and tolerance for tax increases. Striking a conciliatory tone, and recognizing the need for concessions from supporters of both concepts, the board asked Harriman to collaborate with the district on a unified concept, striking a delicate balance between a tax increase of 10% (or less) and the need for a strategic, generational investment. This unified plan will draw on the best elements of both concepts – creating a new middle school and covering essential updates to Pond Cove and CEHS.
If you missed it, or if you have unanswered questions, please visit CETV and review the May 21 School Board workshop. Consequently, I'm sure you'll join me in thanking the School Board for their critical analysis and consensus building.
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