LETTERS

Let’s renovate our schools – Vote yes on Question 9

Posted 10/28/14

To the Editor:

On November 4 you will be asked to decide if our schools should be repaired and renovated to make them healthier and safer for all of our children. The answer is YES. The proposal …

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LETTERS

Let’s renovate our schools – Vote yes on Question 9

Posted

To the Editor:

On November 4 you will be asked to decide if our schools should be repaired and renovated to make them healthier and safer for all of our children. The answer is YES. The proposal includes renovations in every school. There will be updating to fire safety and ventilation systems, needed repairs to old floors, and windows will be replaced to allow in clear sunlight. Considering the age of our schools, on average 56 years old, having to make these updates makes sense. 

Now is the time to make the repairs and renovations. Even though the state has declared a moratorium on issuing financial aid for school construction, this year they are providing an exception for projects that are health or safety related. After an extensive study of the schools’ health and safety systems, engineers identified areas that would benefit greatly with upgrading. Superintendent Lundsten’s proposal to the Rhode Island Department of Education made a strong case, and Cranston was given the green light to put it before you, the voters.

The $15,000,000 spent on these improvements will be seen by Cranston residents in important ways. Improving ventilation, for example, ensures that clean air is circulating. As many of you may be aware, the district has initiated a citywide campaign to improve attendance in our schools, because poor attendance leads to a tremendous loss in learning. Studies show that improving ventilation will help improve attendance. When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to be reading by third grade and graduate high school prepared for 21st century jobs. As a person concerned about the economic health of our community, I am a strong proponent of a literate and prepared workforce. When schools update their HVAC (ventilation) systems, attendance and achievement will improve.

Fire safety related projects, such as fire doors and sprinkler systems, will improve the safety of our children and staff. Implementing these systems is not just an opportunity to upgrade, they will also give us the confidence that we are doing what we can to ensure our children’s and teachers’ safety.

 We have been a very fortunate city for the strong city and school leadership and their fiscal restraint that we have enjoyed over the years. Funding these important health and safety system improvements will never cost less. This bond ensures that every dollar we spend on improving our schools, the state will be returning fifty-two cents to the city.

As we trust the school department to prepare our students to graduate high school ready for college and careers, I think they deserve our trust to help ensure healthier and safer schools. Vote Yes on Question 9. Vote YES to ensure safe and healthy schools.

Robert P. Ciancola

Cranston

Comments

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  • ..

    NO... Tax dollars should be going to pay that---NO MORE BORROWING----REJECT

    Thursday, October 30, 2014 Report this

  • falina

    Isn't that what taxes are for????

    Thursday, October 30, 2014 Report this