It’s no secret that Portland’s elementary schools are in bad shape.

Tutoring happens in hallways. Phys ed happens in classrooms. Roofs leak. Bricks are crumbling. Only half of Reiche School is protected by a sprinkler system.

We’ve known for decades that they need rescue, but we’ve consistently shirked our responsibility.

Over the last 22 years, there have been seven studies of this situation, but each time we deferred – and each time, the cost grew. Now, we’re asked to borrow $61 million to repair these four schools. That’s a steal: When Kennebunk needed to repair its century-old high school in 2015, they borrowed nearly the same amount for a single school.

The owner of a $225,000 home would see a tax increase of only $150 annually. Yes, this would still be a burden for some taxpayers, so city councilors should get creative and find new ways to help – perhaps targeted tax relief or even a progressive, graduated property tax. But if we wait, the cost will only go up.

Could the state fund repairs? Yes and no. There’s no guarantee, but they won’t fund all four schools – only one, or two at most. Construction wouldn’t begin until at least 2019, and the state would control the planning process. They could even tell us to consolidate schools. And with the incoming presidential administration supporting charter schools, we are taking a risk by leaving our schools derelict.

President-elect Trump could point to the leaky roofs at Reiche and tweet, “See? Public schools are a disaster. Sad!”

We should have quality schools that are shining counterarguments to the Donald Trump-Paul LePage education agenda. I implore Portland’s councilors to support putting the bond to a vote. It’s the smart thing to do, and it’s the right thing to do.

Joey Brunelle

Portland