Letter to the Editor: School Building Project

It weighs heavily on our town that the Secondary School Building Project has the unfortunate current financial shortfalls to complete the Middle School/High School project as originally presented.  A vote of almost four to one last year showed confidence and faith from town residents that this was the right direction to make sure current and future generations of North Reading would have a middle school and high school that are not only up to code, but also caught up to 21^st century learning, along with building efficiencies that provide long term cost savings.

I was one of the strong supporters that encouraged people to find out what a yes or no vote meant last year.  The partnership with the MSBA to reimburse North Reading for a large portion of the project was an opportunity not to be missed. I am still a strong support, albeit disappointed by the current circumstances.

Finding out about the shortfall and that a new Town Meeting and vote for a second tax increase is needed to deliver the project as presented is definitely hard to bear. As a supporter, I am also going through all the emotions of shock, anger, and questioning how this happened when we were assured it would not.

Taking the time to read or attend a meeting will assist in understanding the financial issue and impact to taxpayers. A higher estimate should have been presented to the town last year.  Had that happened, we would perhaps have had a three to one vote in favor – but still in favor. The project is still an incredible asset to our town. The cost estimate was too low, the project is still sound.

The SSBC did not raise any prices, as they were not theirs to raise. The SSBC presented an estimate that was given to them by professionals analyzing the current market at the time of the estimate in conjunction with the MSBA review of the estimate.  Understanding that an estimate, given a year in advance can have a market increase is always possible. Is it easy to have more money leave our wallets? NO. Is it worth the money spent now, versus piece meal at a higher “add on” cost approach later?  Absolutely.  Do it right the first time. Costs have only risen, so adding project pieces in at a later date will only increase the overall costs.

Voting No has a cost associated with it again as well. A prospective cost of over $400,000 a month to delay the project while cuts are made and plans are revised is not economical. Cutting and eliminating planned items that provide a “whole school” is not a building project we voted for last year.  The school will be built, though a NO vote project will not resemble what we voted for and what our community deserves to provide current and future generations of North Reading students a quality, well-rounded, complete education.

I understand many homeowners will already struggle to finance the first tax increase. A second tax increase seems so unfair if you’re on a tight budget, understandably. I urge you to contact town hall to find out what types of financial assistance are available to those who qualify. That said, I’m asking for your YES vote at the Special Election, Friday March 22, 2013.

Let’s build it right the first time North Reading, in the original time frame and with the original design.

Sincerely,

Jerrilyn Rinaldi