There has been a lot of talk about what has or hasn't happened before this vote. We have heard from the School Building Committee and others that this project has been supported over 3.5 years with thousands of pages of documentation. Some members of the community have expressed serious misgivings about the lack of maintenance attention and investment the current building received during its 50 years of existence. Some residents, including myself, have had criticisms about the process that got us to May 1.
There's an immediate opportunity: to vote for a new building, and have many, not all, of the required funds supported by the state. Due to the MSBA process -- like it or not -- our time to be funded is now, and if the state funds don't support the construction of Greenfield's school, they'll go to another school. We can't afford the bill that will come due if major repairs are required. Greenfield's students need a better facility, and for the purpose of this vote, I am focusing upon that outcome.
My question, and challenge to all who have had concerns about this project and process, is: if a new high school is approved by voters, what happens after May 1?
- Can we make sure that the green building features highlighted in the proposal don't drop out of the project due to unanticipated expenses?
- Can we get a forward plan for fundraising to supplement what's needed for the track (and eventually, outdoor lighting, stands, facilities to maximize use of that area)?
- Can we review the process by which information is shared with voters, and improve it?
- Can we shed light on public or private organizations who have participated in the process to date, and better understand their mission and goals? (Or can we encourage our local media to facilitate this?)
- Can we stress the importance of ongoing, proactive maintenance for our town's public buildings?
- Can we engage the public to better support, with time and dollars, public and private, the expansion of resources for Greenfield students, in the form of materials and supplies, books and technology, programs and enrichment?
On May 1, the debate on whether or not this project will or should happen could end. But dialogue on these issues shouldn't disappear on May 2. If you think these topics are important, keep them at the forefront. Continue to engage with your public officials: the mayor, your councilors, school committee members, town departments -- and the media, local organizations, state and federal representatives. Demand their attention, ideas, and solutions. Offer your own.
Hope to see you at the polls on Tuesday.
