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Option 2 is Better

The School Utilization Option 3 was approved by a 5-4 Board of Education (BOE) party-line vote. I disagree with this decision. My children won’t be impacted, but my friends, neighbors, fellow taxpayers, and whoever buys our homes will.

Option 3’s disadvantages are that it’s the most expensive and will lead to higher taxes over more years. It also becomes Option 1 (only Ryerson addressed) if a second referendum doesn’t pass, leaving Jeffrey and Island Avenue children in Jeffrey—and potentially Island Avenue; both schools are overdue for renovation. Option 3 also creates a longer disruption of more children, especially if the second phase is delayed. If there’s no second phase, what about Island Avenue? If it doesn’t close, Madison Public Schools will have six schools, despite a commitment to five. If it closes, those children move into dilapidated Jeffrey. Finally, Option 3 risks losing some or all state reimbursements on the second phase due to state budget difficulties.

Option 2 is less expensive, leads to similar taxes for fewer years, upgrades facilities for all elementary children, and receives state reimbursements ASAP.

Taxpayers at the April 18 BOE meeting supported Option 2. Adjustments to options 2 and 3 were proposed at that meeting, but time constraints for that meeting and the state funding process, as well as a lack of understanding of the state granting procedures and timeline, prevented a full examination of potential plan improvements. In matters of such consequence, I expect more knowledge regarding timing and options.

If the BOE expects voters in Madison to come together behind a single plan, I expect it to support its own proposal 100 percent.

I ask the boards of Finance and Selectmen to return this proposal to the BOE so it can unite behind the fiscally responsible plan with broad public support.

Beth Skudder

Madison