David & Ann Urbonas

Easthampton

To the editor:

 

Our family has lived in Easthampton for the past 13 years, and we have been proud to witness the many positive changes that have occurred in town since we arrived.  We believe that the change to a mayoral form of government a few years ago was a crucial step in the emergence of a “can-do” spirit that has led to many improvements, despite the claims of some local naysayers who insisted they would never happen.  The mayor, city council and others involved in local government deserve a great deal of credit for their vision, cooperation and tenacity.  As voters, we all deserve credit as well, for supporting important public projects and taking action to create a better Easthampton.

 

However, while many positive things have been happening, we have also been very disappointed by a general lack of public support for our most important local institution – our schools.  While we have dedicated and hardworking teachers, staff and administrators, it’s only a slight exaggeration to say that our ancient school buildings are crumbling beneath their feet.  We owe it to our children and our city to finally begin the process of replacing our 100 year old elementary schools with an up-to-date and functional building, and make long-overdue additions and updates to our deteriorating high school.  Voting yes on November 8 is the critical first step in that process.

 

Some naysayers are once again criticizing an important public project.  They are attempting to distract us with claims that the existing elementary schools can be more economically renovated, which is untrue.  The costs to bring three separate school buildings, one built in 1897, one in 1902 and one in the 1920s up to current standards, maintain them and heat them in the winter, will end up being several times more expensive than building a single, modern, energy-efficient elementary school.  In addition, we know that the state will not provide financial support for renovation of 100 year old schools, as they will for the construction of a new school, which is a much better long term investment.  If we renovated those schools, we would be left holding the entire bill.  Would they support an override for that?

 

In our opinion, the naysayers are not really interested in improving our schools at all, under any circumstances or at any price -- they are interested in maintaining the status quo.  They want to stop us from spending one cent on improvements to our school buildings by making demands intended to send us back to square one over and over again.  We have already lost years to this game.  The longer we continue to wait, the more the costs will continue to rise.

 

Don’t let this game continue.  We urge Easthampton voters to not let a shrinking group naysayers keep Easthampton down any longer.  The future is bright for our city.  Vote yes on November 8 for the future of our schools and for the future of Easthampton.

 

David & Ann Urbonas

Easthampton

 

 

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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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