$10 Million For Side Aisles?

How very interesting there is a $10 Million OVERAGE in the brand new Coakley Middle School's account. Absent from the school are those side aisles at the end of the dead end rows in the auditorium that students and teachers had in the previous school. Here it is 2026; and it is going backwards, one might say. So, in spite of all the times this issue was brought to the attention of school and building officials, there was a determination on their part not to include those side aisles!. And now there is that $10 Million OVERAGE!

Prior to residents knowing about this, the School Committee apparently presented a budget of $300,000 to the Capital Outlay Committee for a "feasibility study" regarding Norwood's elementary schools. Now, residents are told that amount has been reduced by half to $150,000. How come?

Norwood taxpayers are still paying for the razing of the original Norwood Senior High School (assessed at $11 Million in 2010) and the construction of the new high school in 2011, as well as paying now for the new middle school. Both schools were built to last only 50 years. So, what are Norwood taxpayers getting in return for spending their hard-earned taxpayer dollars for these new schools? Are students working any harder? Will Norwood's school rating be higher? Schools are the place for learning. It is hard work, but oh, so rewarding for the student. Studying and getting a great education are the greatest gifts a student can give to himself or herself. It is so worth it.

Recently, there was a published report about the low reading and math scores taken by American 15-year olds, the lowest in 25 years. (See Boston Globe, September 9, page A2.) Perhaps the Norwood School Committee could turn its attention to making sure Norwood students first know how to read, write and speak English correctly. Bring back Cursive, so students can write their own names instead of printing them, and with so much going on in the world today, introduce again the wonderful world of Geography. The spotlight belongs on Norwood's young students and their achievements.

Judith Howard

TMM - 3