NHS Expansion Alternative Would Be A Better Use Of Taxpayers’ Money

To the Editor:

I support the Selectmen’s recent decision to not commit funds for the proposed high school expansion because the concern about overcrowding can be addressed more effectively.

On July 5, 2006, I sent a letter to the editor on this subject.

I again suggest this alternative to better utilize taxpayers’ money, to solve multiple obligations concerning the physical facilities, and to alleviate any overcrowding.

First let’s consider the following:

1. Based on the forecast for 2008–2010, overcrowding at the high school is projected.

2. The middle school must undergo much needed major renovations and upgrades.

To date, we have not been officially informed as to the scope and cost for what most likely will be mandatory improvements/repairs.

3. The Board of Education is currently proposing that the new high school addition design incorporate the segregation of the ninth grade students from upperclassmen, which may also include other infrastructure expansion.

Again I offer the following proposal based on the efficiencies learned from solving the K–5 overcrowding problem:

*The new fifth an sixth grade school came about as an alternative and financial opportunity to eliminate concurrent building expansions and related costs as well as costly interruptions at all individual K–5 schools.

*By removing the fifth grade students from each school, it allowed the K–4 schools more space to accommodate their growth, alleviated overcrowding, and focused financial resources on building one optimum facility.

*It also reduced overcrowding at the middle school because all of those sixth graders were accommodated at the new 5/6 school, providing expansion for seventh and eighth grades within the existing facility.

Again, based on the recent decision to stop the funding for the proposed high school addition, we have the opportunity to be financially responsible while still addressing the overcrowding.

I propose to the Board of Education that they consider the benefits of adding ninth grade to the seventh and eighth grade middle school, which accomplished the following:

*Reduces headcount at the high school, alleviates overcrowding, and eliminates the need for the proposed expansion and improvements.

*Eliminates $40 million–$80 million requested for the high school expansion.

*Provides for requested funding of the required repairs at the middle school, including renovations, upgrades, and additions.

*Uses dollars allotted to create an optimum seventh-eighth-ninth grade facility.

*Reduces construction and related cost to one existing facility location.

*Improves an existing older, outdated middle school educational facility.

*Segregates the ninth grade students from upperclassmen, which the current high school expansion proposed to do.

This means that eighth grade students will remain at the middle school for one more year, addresses the pupil to teacher/room ratio criteria and utilizes the existing gym, cafeteria, and playing fields. It also meets our obligation to renovate and upgrade the middle school.

I believe that this proposal would address overcrowding throughout the system and use taxpayers’ money in an efficient an results-driven manner.

Walter S. Motyka

5 Kent Road, Newtown                                                  March 20, 2008