To the editor:
During last week's meeting of the Alliance of Derry Taxpayers, the school budget was discussed in detail, specifically the impact it will have on Derry taxpayers. In addition to the looming state budget cuts that may result in a $7.5 million cut in funding from the state, we are faced with the increased cost of pensions and insurance.
As if these issues are not enough to make citizens worry about how our town and school budgets will be impacted, Pinkerton Academy announced plans to begin construction on the Freshmen Academy next year, at an estimated cost of $20 to $25 million. It seems we have a perfect storm brewing in Derry and unfortunately it is the taxpayers who will be hit the hardest.
The ADT understands that the trustees at Pinkerton think they are doing the right thing for their incoming freshmen, but now is not the time. With the current economic challenges faced by us all as individuals, we do not need the additional burden of funding this. Even with the decrease in bonding and construction costs, this additional burden could not come at a worse time.
We also understand the need to get rid of the portable classrooms, but recent studies have shown that enrollment in grades 1-8 has been on the decline for the last five to eight years. Surely there are more cost effective ways to increase classroom space on a more appropriate scale.
As to the other challenges we face, we have met with members of the school board to find ways that the ADT can help with the budget issues we face in Concord. There is still time to try and effect change in the state aid formula being used, and we agree that we must all work together. However we do not have the ability to directly offer input on the decisions being made at Pinkerton.
In that regard, the ADT would like to respectfully ask the Pinkerton Board of Trustees to reconsider their decision and think of the challenges being faced by the communities that send their students. We would also ask the taxpayers in Derry, Chester and Hampstead to let their thoughts be known and contact Pinkerton directly. We will all be impacted by this decision.
Stephanie Hooton
President, Alliance of Derry Taxpayers
Derry, N.H.
