In less than two weeks, the residents of Harvard will decide whether or not our town builds a new elementary school. No matter what is ultimately decided, the teachers and school leaders will continue to educate the children of our town in the highest quality tradition of past years. Those of us deeply invested in the project planning hope the residents support a new building, built with sustainable and modern learning spaces incorporating fresh air exchange and natural lighting from windows and skylights. This new building design would enhance learning, while the current building forces teachers to work against its deficiencies.
Seven years ago when I first visited Hildreth Elementary School, I was surprised to see the poor condition of the building in a town with such a strong reputation for high-quality education. Over the years, I have witnessed the issues firsthand, first as the elementary principal and then as the superintendent. The teachers and students relocated their classrooms when univent heater pipes broke or froze. They moved books and materials out of the way of leaks or covered items with plastic to prevent water damage. Mold has plagued both the 1955 wing and the 1988 sections of the building, resulting in wall sections being removed for remediation measures. All through the years, students and adults have demonstrated resilience and a continued focus on education.
Why shouldn’t our students and teachers learn in a more supportive school environment? When members of the School Building Committee (SBC) visited new schools in neighboring towns, we saw and experienced exciting, bright, right-sized spaces for current and future teaching and learning. The new schools were designed with fresh air exchange and natural light for the healthiest learning spaces. Full-size classrooms and tutoring spaces were side by side for uninterrupted learning based on the students’ needs. Hallways were wider with space for gathering and project work.
Our students deserve the best school building for learning, and our taxpayers deserve the best value for their money. The SBC stands behind its assertion that a new building is the best decision. The SBC members, who represent differing backgrounds, took their responsibility seriously. It may be tempting to believe that there is a simpler, less expensive, more creative option that will ensure quality for 30 to 50 years in the future, but we believe the right plan is the new school that we have presented to the community.
Linda Dwight, superintendent
Harvard Public Schools
