I respectfully submit this letter to the editor in support of the upcoming bond vote intended to support the renovation project at Mount Abraham Union High School.
As a Mount Abraham graduate and current parent of students at the middle and high school, I see a real need for improvement in the physical space. After the recent open house where I spoke with teachers who are committed to providing my kids with a thorough and comprehensive education I was struck by the overwhelming need for facility improvement. The spaces are dark and outdated, the air flow is inconsistent and the overall feel of the building represented a lack of pride.
It is clear that the faculty and staff are using their skills to attempt to create a rich and meaningful learning environment. However, I feel strongly that our community needs to step up and support a process to improve the educational opportunities for all of our children. We know that money spent now on education is far more effective than the money we will spend down the road when our kids make less valued choices because they didn’t get their needs met at a young age.
As a person who has dedicated my professional life to working with children and families, I am deeply concerned for the important role that our school plays in keeping kids connected in healthy relationships and learning how to be in the world in a positive way. I feel that the pride that our kids and families could feel for their school would propel them into a wide variety of options for learning, community service and overall well being.
I want my kids and their peers to be safe, healthy, mindful and open to learning. Please join me in voting yes to the bond vote on Nov. 4 to renovate our school and provide our kids a healthier, safer, more prepared learning environment.
Amie Whitcomb, Starksboro