‘Spaces matter’

BY LAUREN ABRAMI

As a child, I attended a crumbling middle school. The dim, oppressive environment made me feel invisible. The building seemed to say, "your education, your time spent here, isn't important." This was in stark contrast to the brand new elementary school I'd attended the year before, which was spacious, bright, and joy-filled.

That crumbling school was 45 years old and soon to be demolished. This memory comes back to me every time I look at CEMS, parts of which are over 90 years old. We've been debating solutions for our outdated schools since 1993 — over three decades! Now, we have the information, the plan, and the opportunity to act.

Some folks talk about renovating instead. But renovation options explored by the SBAC were nearly as expensive as new construction and still wouldn't get rid of that sinking feeling you get when you walk into CEMS.

No one loves spending money, but I'd prefer a more lasting investment — one that resets the clock for 50 years instead of patching things up for another 15.

Yes, taxes will go up — but gradually over seven years, not all at once as some fear. Waiting until November to vote would add $1M in additional costs, further delaying the progress our students and teachers deserve.

Spaces matter. They tell our students and teachers how much we value them. New, bright, and spacious buildings convey that their education is worth prioritizing. This June, let's send the right message — one of support, value and vision for the future.