WINDHAM — In the end, School Board members opted against presenting voters with a $30 million bond proposal to build a new middle school.
Board members reconsidered the proposal last night after being presented with more than 200 signatures from residents who support building a new school.
Ultimately, though, after about three hours of discussion and listening to about 15 speakers from the public, the panel decided to put its energy behind supporting the school operating budget rather than risk the ire of voters confronted with a $30 million proposal in harsh economic times.
Several board members worried that voters would say no to all warrant articles if the board asked for $30 million.
Board member Ed Gallagher argued that it was the wrong time to propose a new school because the panel did not have a solid plan to present voters.
"The reality is we don't have a plan," Gallagher said.
Board member Mike Hatem disagreed. He said architectural studies demonstrate the deficiencies at schools and a plan could be ready by the district deliberative session next month.
Hatem pressed for the proposal because he said the district risks losing $10 million in state building aid. He said legislators have told him that 30 percent building aid for property-rich towns such as Windham is likely to be discontinued as of July 1.
Furthermore, if that aid dries up, he thinks any vote on a new school in Windham in the future would be in jeopardy when voters consider the lost funding. "I think there will be another backlash if we don't go for the $10 million," Hatem said.
Board member Daphne Kenyon said she doubted that backlash would happen.
Board members acknowledged the need to accommodate a growing population of students in overcrowded classrooms.
Residents, including several parents, spoke to those needs in their plea for the new school proposal.
"Come take a look at those schools, they are wreck," said parent Michelle Russell, singling out Golden Brook Elementary School as having the greatest need. Another speaker, Lisa Vivinetto, said that by hastily proposing a new school the board risked a hit to its credibility. It also risked a defeat of the budget, which would result in another default budget.
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