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Clinton Is Awake

On June 14, Guilford voted to build a new high school rather than renovate the existing one. Seventy percent of those who came out took a hard look at the existing building and determined the most fiscally responsible decision at this time is to build new. Guilford was presented with the cost of keeping what it currently has, renovating it, or abandoning it and starting new. What it currently has is high energy costs due to old systems and inefficient building layout, poor air quality due to the lack of ventilation, security and traffic flow inefficiencies, reoccurring major maintenance, and the need to replace roofs and mechanical systems. What Guilford currently has is spending taxpayer dollars just to keep its head above water.

The cost to renovate proves to be higher than starting new. The cost to retrofit technology is almost always more than installing in a new building. In fact, towns do vote to demolish old buildings in favor of new ones as the fiscally responsible decision. Guilford was able to see that, due to historically low interest rates, attractive bond ratings, and tax impacts that won't kick in for five years, now is the smartest time to take this project on-and Clinton is watching closely. The similarities are remarkable.

Eighty percent of Connecticut communities have built a new high school facility or undergone major renovations during the last 10 years. If Clinton continues to do nothing, not only will wasteful spending continue, but we won't be competitive with other towns when hiring teachers, and Clinton families will continue to leave for comparable school districts with superior facilities. Clinton is awake and this is what we're saying: We want a new high school. Congratulations to the Guilford voting community for the value it places on educational environment.

Leah Saunders

Clinton