To the Editor:

Like others, I moved to Newtown with the hopes of starting a family in a closely-knit community with an excellent school system. I want to advocate for keeping our schools open especially when all the facts aren’t in. I stand with Jim Gaston the Newtown Parents, families and teachers in saying "What's The Rush?"

As our town continues to heal, the possibility of closing a school becomes an incredibly difficult and emotional subject like Chuck, a Newtown parent, who said “the school became our family.” Despite the challenges, the families I've spoken to are very clear on the facts. They know the long-term conse-quences of closing a school outweigh any benefit that has been proposed. Why would we prioritize short-term economics over the education of our children?

Studies highlighting our town’s growth cycles show we may need all of our schools in the next ten years even with the student population dropping below 5,000 students we should make sure that the Board of Education makes the best decision for Newtown now and the future.

Fellow Newtown residents, look at the information that has been presented during these discussions. Help us put the brakes on what could be a hasty and unnecessary decision. We should wait for the completion of essential studies to reach an educated conclusion. We all want the best for our town and as a Legislative Council member I will make sure to represent our tax paying citizens faithfully. But please realize potential damage to our educational system will affect every taxpayer in our town. This discussion may not end at the upcoming Board of Education meeting. Help us make sure the right choices are made for Newtown.

Sincerely,

Eva Bermudez Zimmerman

22 Bankside Trail, Sandy Hook June 24, 2015