Johanna Rodriguez Douglass 

September 19, 2005

 

 

Daily Hampshire Gazette

Attn: Letters to the Editor

 

 

I am writing in support of the proposed override for the City of Easthampton. Since moving here 5 years ago I have frequently been surprised by the number of families who opt out of Easthampton schools because they believe that they are inferior. Having sent my children to Center School and White Brook Middle School I can honestly say that the staff and curriculum are exceptional.

 

Where has the perceived inferiority come from?  Could it be the age and physical condition of our facilities?  Or is its origin the lack of financial support accorded to our schools by our city?  Over these five years we have seen extreme cuts in the budget - first we eliminated staff, then we closed an entire school and now we have limited bussing.  Meanwhile neighboring schools are benefiting financially due to the exodus of our students.  The message that is being sent is clear-Easthampton places childhood education at a low priority. This perception needs to be changed or a city that could continue its current rise will always be considered a poor option.

 

A strong way of changing this perception would be to fund a new elementary school and renovate Easthampton High School, as proposed.  The sad fact is that the high school is indeed missing what other area high schools have. There is no auditorium so that children interested in the arts can really stretch their skills. Sports, so important for creating pride and the formation of character, are consistently under-funded or in danger of being cut. Finally, computer, science, and language labs need to be updated for the 21^st century so that our students can compete for the best colleges.

 

I urge the voters of Easthampton to vote yes on the override.

 

Sincerely,

 

 Johanna Rodriguez Douglass

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