Voices

BF should consider Compass School proposal

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.

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