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Buzz is Getting Louder

The source of the buzz around Clinton regarding the closing of Pierson School shouldn’t be a mystery to anyone. I created a plan to convert Pierson School several years ago, when it became clear the student population was diminishing.

After attending several planning studies, I suggested grade 4 be incorporated into Joel School and grade 5 be incorporated into Elliot School. That would allow the Henry Carter Hull Library to relocate to Pierson and its current location to be sold to Clinton Crossing.

Besides the library, Pierson’s size would also accommodate a real senior/community center. Its gym would provide a perfect venue for concerts, readings, art displays, lectures, etc. Board of Education (BOE) offices could be removed from Joel, creating space to house grade 4, and relocated to the rear of Pierson. My plan would generate millions of dollars for the town; eliminate the significant expense of maintaining a large, unnecessary building; and place the library in the center of town, where it belongs.

Clinton property owners have been subjected to unnecessary, huge tax increases simply because our town leaders have lacked the ability or the desire to find solutions and make sound financial decisions. We’re sick of it. It can no longer be tolerated. That’s why proposed budgets have been rejected by the community year after year. If the BOE wants us to believe it works hard to create responsible budgets, it should show us. Superintendent of Schools Maryann O’Donnell is wrong to put off the discussion for another “three to five years” [Nov. 23, “Superintendent: Pierson Closure Rumors False”]. The time is now. The buzz is getting louder.

We have a new administration, tasked with finding ways to reduce town expenses. Here’s the perfect first step: Sit down with O’Donnell and the BOE and get it done.

Vincent Cimino

Clinton