I was surprised to read in a recent issue of the Independent that the Slate Valley Unified Union School District has plans to demolish the Orwell Town Hall. This seems like a poor way to welcome Orwell into the merged district.
The SVUUSD says the Town Hall is of no use to the school district because, according to their new plans, it will no longer be used for school functions. It is, however, an important asset to the town of Orwell, serving as it has for over 150 years as the center of town activities, the location of Orwell Town Meeting, and numerous other community functions that rely on the hall space and basement cafeteria.
It would seem only right and sensible that the SVUUSD board turn the Orwell Town Hall back over to the town of Orwell rather than demolish this landmark.
Thank you.
Walter Phelps
Orwell