Stand Unified

As A Community

To the Editor:

Middle Gate families have been following the high school expansion proposal for the past year, and our membership voted to support it.

While it would be easy to look back and point a finger at what could have been done to prevent our current situation, or to continue to explore other options, the critical issue remains that if we do not move forward with the project at this time we will inevitably be placed on “probation,” a status from which it will take years to rectify. This would be a devastating blow to our community. Our situation is a result of the rapid growth in our community, and our inability to address those changes in a timely manner.

For the children it will mean that colleges and universities of their choice will consider a student from an accredited high school over them even if the Newtown student’s grades are better, because the “probation” status indicates that the community is not providing the highest level of education possible. For the teachers, it will mean that they will consider other school districts to work in over ours. For those who do not have children in the schools, it means that the values of our properties will be adversely affected, especially if you are planning to sell your home to retire or move out of town. Houses in poor school districts are more difficult to sell, and sell for lower prices.  Our morale will also be affected. How can we continue to boast “It’s nicer in Newtown”?

The financial aspects of delaying the project by a year or more will also have an impact. Any possible reduction in scope to the project will not be realized, as each year the costs for construction escalate. By missing our June 30 cutoff date with the state, we will lose approximately $500,000 from the state as our wealth rank increased this year and we are entitled to less of a reimbursement rate. Is any of this worth it to place our school on probation?

The 340 member families of Middle Gate PTA support what is good for the community and what is good for the children and we stand unified to support the high school expansion project now, when it means the most. The current fourth and sixth grade classes have the largest enrollment numbers in the district. Vote Yes Tuesday, June 26, and let’s stand unified as a community.

Desiree Galassi

Middle Gate PTA President

15 Huntingtown Road, Newtown                                   June 20, 2007