EDITORIAL

Vote yes on $56 million school bond

Posted 10/22/20

In a world where it seems few people can agree on much of anything, we really hope that we can still at least agree on the notion that our children should have safe, warm and dry schools to learn in. Even further, in light of a pandemic that has uprooted

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EDITORIAL

Vote yes on $56 million school bond

Posted

In a world where it seems few people can agree on much of anything, we really hope that we can still at least agree on the notion that our children should have safe, warm and dry schools to learn in.

Even further, in light of a pandemic that has uprooted all of our normal existences, we should be even more attuned to the condition of our children’s educational spaces – and be all the more inclined to pony up the money necessary to get these facilities into an acceptable condition that will not only suit them in our health-conscious present, but also last and endure into the distant future.

The problems that existed and required an infusion of bond money during the last election have not been magically eliminated. Children will be returning in full numbers to school buildings eventually (hopefully as soon as possible). These issues will not simply be solved through finger pointing or wondering how they got so bad in the first place or whose fault it was for allowing it to happen.

The only way to get the schools back to a point where we can be proud to send our kids there is by putting in the work and accepting that we may see a higher tax bill as a result. Investing in our schools can only be seen as an investment in our community – in the value of our homes and the quality of people that choose to reside here. It is a return on investment that may not be immediately seen in your bank account, but it is one of the most important investments we can make nonetheless.

Although many schools across the district need a score of important improvements, such as roofs, secure doors and windows, sidewalk and staircase improvements – we all need to recognize the importance of getting HVAC systems to a point where they are able to adequately circulate air and heat the buildings. We cannot safely send kids to schools without this capability.

The vast majority of the $56 million in bond money you’re being asked to approve on Nov. 3 will go toward projects at the elementary school level – a time most critical for the development of good educational habits and attitudes for our young citizens. A poor experience due to outdated and crumbling buildings can have a lasting effect on how a child sees his or her school district, and how they view the value of an education in general. We should all want our kids to be proud of where they go to learn, and excited to wake up in the morning to go there.

The bond would provide funding for improvements to 13 elementary schools averaging a cost of $3.2 million per school, including the Warwick Early Learning Center at $2.8 million; $1.8 million for Veterans Middle School; $5.9 million for Winman Middle School; and $1.7 million for the Drum Rock annex to the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center.

We understand in great detail the financial complications and challenges that we face in Warwick, and we also understand the great financial burden that has been placed upon our residents in light of an historic and tragic global health crisis that has shuttered businesses and caused much budgetary strain on so many households.

However, we also understand that persisting through this difficult time means nothing if we cannot continue to try to do the best we can for the future leaders of this state – for the future leaders and voters and workers who will continue to invest in Warwick.

We owe it to the children to not let their dreams of clean, updated schools become another casualty of COVID-19. We implore all those reading this message to vote “yes” on Nov. 3 and approve the money needed to continue the reinvigoration of Warwick public schools.

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