I want to take the opportunity to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed new Westbrook middle school.

he proposal is shaping up to be a beautifully designed building and campus with many features and design elements that will benefit the students, school staff and the community. One of the most exciting features includes the site selected for the building, as it provides a beautiful, natural and historical (old Oxford Canal) environment.

The proposed 1,000-seat auditorium will add immeasurably to our community. Westbrook may finally be able to hold a graduation ceremony locally (something that has not been able to take place for years due to space limitations). In addition to being a place for school events and extracurricular activities, the auditorium may be a venue to generate income and attract businesses to Westbrook that may have a need for a space of this kind. Local businesses such as the Drouin Dance Center and Acorn Performing Arts might consider such a space to hold productions. This would set the “stage” for Westbrook to become a performing arts community and would only be a positive addition to our growing reputation as a community that is supportive of the new and important creative economy.

I encourage the members of this community to lend their whole-hearted support for the new Westbrook middle school by voting YES on May 22. Our students and school staff are deserving of a well-designed, up-to-date and environmentally friendly learning environment.

As a new member of the Building Design Committee, and the parent of a future Westbrook middle school student, I am impressed with the level of commitment and time the more veteran members of the committee give to this important project. It is vitally important for us all to continue the ongoing effort to make Westbrook a better place to live, work and learn.

Anne Bureau

Westbrook