Moving The Question

In our opinion, the MSAD 46 decision to plan a late February final vote on the new K-8 school shortchanges the opportunity to allow a full disclosure of the facts and an acceptance of the proposal by the communities. This project has been in the works in one form or another since at least 1999; yet we are only now beginning to see the scope and concept of the consolidation. There have been only three public hearings held since the Board voted the purchase option for the Fern Road site. There haven't been any public meetings to specifically face the impact of closing the schools in Garland and Exeter.

The current Board timeline calls for scheduling the Concept Plan straw vote right after the new year begins. Admittedly, the November 28th meeting shed a glimpse of what the new school configuration might look like in an elementary way. Floor space, building layout, entrances and parking , athletic fields etc. were unveiled, but there are still unanswered questions and like all plans, they will undoubtedly be refined and changed.

The planned facility has been described as designed for a 60-70 year life cycle and everyone recognizes how long the process has already taken. However, we don't see any rationale for rushing the final decision with a February referendum vote!

Our opposition to the early referendum is in part based on the following reasons:

• The District communities (Dexter, Exeter, Garland, Ripley) are already required to hold referendum voting in June for the MSAD #46 Budget.
• Holding a special referendum in February will require additional expense and effort on the part of all the District communities.
• A February referendum vote will unquestionably be less representative because voter turnout will be less than the normal June voting.
• March Town Meetings will provide an opportunity for school leaders to present the proposal to the citizens of Exeter, Garland and Ripley, providing more dialogue.
• Good ideas can stand the test of time. If it's a good idea in February, it should be just as good or even better in June!

The time between the end of February and the beginning of June can be well spent finalizing plans with public input and engaging the voters in acceptance of the proposal. Time can heal wounds and allow those resistant to change to come to terms with the closure of their community schools.

A 70-year, $30,000,000 decision shouldn't be rammed through with such limited review; and the deadline for decision is rapidly approaching. Now is the time to contact your school and municipal officers to make your opinions known.