BELLOWS FALLS — I read the news today - oh, boy!"
Those words form the opening lyrics to both a well-known song and my reaction to the Brattleboro Reformer's Aug. 2 article about the Bellows Falls Middle School fix to the tune of $11.3 million. I wonder if it is time to reconsider the offer made to the WNESU by Compass School at its founding 12 years ago and to the Article 6 committee, more recently, to be a public-school option for grades 7-12 along with a reconfigured Bellows Falls Middle/High School.
More important than just saving almost all of the $11 million of construction costs, this measure would let our school district have two great, publicly accessible school options, lower per-pupil costs, improve educational opportunities and outcomes, increase graduation rates, and make WNESU a model district in the state.
Having two schools in the district would give students the chance of finding a program that fits best for them, increasing success for students and teachers and benefiting the community as a whole.
So to the WNESU board and those who live here and pay taxes, I repeat the song's ending, “I'd love to turn you on” - to this two-school idea that makes much more sense, and saves our dollars during these tough economic times. I invite you to visit Compass School to see for yourself.