Debora Lusnia

To the Editor,

 

I hope Easthampton’s residents realize how desperately we need a new elementary school and a renovated high school.  

 

I have often heard people say, “It’s not the building that counts… it’s what is taking place on the inside”.  I am guessing the teachers and students who are located on stairway landings, in an elevator alcove, in converted coat closets, and in other cramped, noisy conditions would say our facilities affect the learning that can take place.  Look at the physical size of our elementary classrooms.  They are much smaller than what the state currently requires for physical space for classrooms.  The tight quarters in these rooms has to be impacting the children’s ability to learn.  Find out how many times a day the children at Center elementary school have to put on their coats, hats, boots, and mittens and walk to Pepin for music, for gym, for lunch, or to go to the library.  All of that time is deducted from learning.  Regulating the heat in our old buildings is a tremendous challenge.  Some rooms are excessively hot others are cold.  That affects learning.  Our elementary schools are not wired for technology which is critical for teaching and learning in the 21^st century.  As of 2003, 93% of U.S. elementary schools had internet access.  Our children are being left behind.  There is limited technology at the H.S. including a computer lab that cannot be used throughout the day due to a lack of space.  The high school library’s size and materials are inadequate.  The list goes on and on and it all impacts learning.

 

The number of students leaving the district through school choice is costing the city over $1million in state aid every year.  Survey results tell us a key reason the city is losing so many students is its outdated school buildings.  That is $1million+ dollars that could be spent on teachers, books, and supplies. 

 

Many research studies have been conducted in the area of school building age and its impact on student achievement.  They have consistently shown that students attending schools in better condition outperform students in substandard buildings.  

 

We cannot ignore the need for a new elementary school and a renovated high school any longer.  They are crucial for us to provide our children with a high quality education.  Quality schools are also important for a strong, healthy community.  Please vote yes on November 8^th.

 

Debora Lusnia

And…we could use your help.

To volunteer or donate to the Committee for Better Schools
Call us at 529-3500 to volunteer, make a donation, or tell us what you think!
Or email betterschools@gmail.com

There is never a “good time” to spend money, but there is a “right time.” 

And the right time is now for Easthampton Schools.

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