To the Editor:
I am writing to urge you to support the town of Durham’s continued participation in Regional School Unit 5.
As a taxpayer and parent, I believe this decision is one of the most important decisions we may ever face as a town. Merging with Freeport and Pownal has enabled our children to attend top-notch schools, enjoy the variety and depth of programming available through the RSU 5, and minimize costs while maintaining quality.
In these challenging economic times, it is tempting to see separation as a solution. However, the strength of any community rests on the strength of its families.
In order to ensure our community can compete as a residential destination for prospective families hoping to raise families, we need to keep our schools strong.
I believe remaining in RSU 5 gives our community a competitive advantage by providing solid schools without the drawbacks that come with Freeport or Pownal — Freeport with its emphasis on attracting retailers and Pownal’s high property costs.
As parents, we have chosen to send our children to tuitioncharging schools. But we remain committed to RSU 5 even if that decision costs us more on own property taxes. We believe our community’s children are worth the investment and good schools return our investment with solid neighbors, increasing property values and a stronger, more vital community for the long term.
My daughter has run with the Harraseeket Harriers and attended camps and after-school programs not available in our town. We would lose access to vital programs like foreign languages, Advanced Placement and special education. Freeport High School is a strong academic option, providing depth and variety to our young people as they begin to build for college and beyond. Many of our neighbors made the decision to buy in Durham on the strength of Freeport High School’s standing within the state.
As the old quote goes: “The future belongs to the young.” Please let us keep that in mind when we decide on the quality of our children’s education.
Mary Fallon
Durham
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