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A Vibrant Community

I serve on the Madison Board of Education but I submit this letter in my individual capacity. I plan to enthusiastically vote “Yes” on all three referenda questions because I believe Madison deserves to view itself not only as a town, but as a vibrant community.

Our sense of community is largely premised on pride in our educational system. What better ways to cement our reputation as the shoreline’s jewel of educational excellence than to rejuvenate our learning plants and to invite a reputable parochial school to make our town its permanent home? With The Country School, The Grove School, and Our Lady of Mercy Prep (OLM) all complementing a fortified Madison Public Schools, our town will ensure its vitality for decades if these referenda pass. Furthermore, OLM will contribute to the Grand List in a town that doesn’t like to cede ground to box stores.

There’s poetic justice in building a community center within the shell of an educational institution that serves as a welcoming gateway to our community. Academy is at the heart of Madison, in both spirit and location. Drawing folks to the Town Green district for cultural and community togetherness would add to the town’s charm, while driving foot traffic into nearby stores and restaurants.

The best part of all is that bipartisan town leadership came together and voted unanimously as a Tri-Board Commission to put forth the School Renewal Plan. The wisdom of leadership to juxtapose the School Renewal and Academy Community Center plans means the expected state reimbursement for school construction will effectively offset about two-thirds of the construction cost of converting Academy to a community center! After all, what fosters a sense of community in Madison more than smart fiscal planning? I encourage your readers to vote “Yes” with me, on all three.

Seth Klaskin

Madison

Democrat Seth Klaskin serves on the Board of Education.