South Portland residents heading to the polls next week will have many major choices to cast their votes for, among them whether to support the $56 million bond to rebuild the area’s high school.
In the weeks leading up to Nov. 6, advocacy groups have formed both for and against the measure – created by those who believe the changes are necessary and those that feel the hike on their tax bill is simply too great to support. Supporters and school officials have offered tours and several presentations regarding the building they say is not only filled to capacity, but has poor air quality and does not meet current safety or ADA requirements.
But one key point has continued to be muddled throughout the recent discussions and debates – that the quality of education will improve with the building improvements.
Voters should not be mistaken or confused that higher grades, greater SAT scores or more kids heading off to college will come as a result of the school’s makeover. Education is the direct result of a solid teaching staff, involved parents, constantly updated and relevant books, learning materials and technologies, as well as wide-ranging extracurricular activities to balance the school day.
And while the new project promises library and music facility access on nights and weekends to students – as well as the community as a whole – there should not be any misunderstanding when faced with the bond question next Tuesday.
Supporting improvements to the building is simply that, it will provide children with a great learning environment – but it will not change the quality of the education our youth receive.
That is a different issue altogether.