Letter: Yes to Greylock Project
 |
To the Editor:
It was brought to my attention that a claim I referenced in my previous letter to the editor was not accurate in my representation of it. However innocuous my intention was, it still mischaracterized the arguments that were made regarding the number of studies utilized. And, beyond that, I realized making the case for the school using the quotes of others was unnecessary. There are a plethora of good faith and factual reasons to support the school project, and I will continue to work with those at the forefront.
Reflecting on my own experiences in the North Adams Public School system, it's easy to reminisce about my time at Greylock Elementary over a decade ago. It's just as easy to remember my time fondly at the Brayton Elementary afterschool programs and at the YMCA. But nostalgia should not lead this vote, nor should the controversy of the moment.
The Greylock School Project is worth the investment. City history has been achieved in its record grant funding from the MSBA. $42 million offered by the state; that kind of money doesn't often come to North Adams. But this time it did. $20 million is not a small number to consider, but the alternative is an estimated double with no state assistance. Factored into this alternative would be roof repairs, piping renovations, and mechanical systems replacements. The estimated cost of such runs at approximately $45 million, laid solely at the feet of the taxpayers of North Adams.
This project has been in development for years, with the opportunity for public feedback and scrutiny. It has reached this point because the MSBA understands that our schools need to meet the quality expectations of the moment. We need to think about what kind of environment we are creating for our children's educational outcomes, as well as our educator's pedagogical outcomes. They deserve a more accessible outdoor environment. They deserve better opportunities for natural light in every classroom. They deserve to have a space that allows for the greatest impact and top-notch atmosphere to reflect the learning outcomes necessary of our student population.
Please join me in voting "Yes" to the Greylock School Project on October 8th.
Josh Vallieres
North Adams, Mass.
