On April 14, the state Department of Education approved the building site for the relocation of Lake Street School. The relocation and construction of a new school will prove to be advantageous to our city.

Although final numbers are not in, the expectation is that at least half of the money for the new school will be funded by the state. If the referendum does not pass, the state funding would be given to the next school on their list of eligible schools and the city of Auburn would have to reapply for state funding. The competition for state funding is so fierce there is a good chance it would be another 10 years before the city of Auburn would have another opportunity to qualify for state funding for this project.

The project will upgrade the school for the Lake Street district to one that is comparable to what the rest of the city enjoys, providing space for a cafeteria, gym, music room and art room on site.

Our city is strengthened and becomes a more desirable place to live with smaller, neighborhood schools at the elementary level. It is important and responsible to upgrade inadequate facilities to stay competitive with other communities around the state and to provide the best educational opportunities that we can for our children.

I applaud the work of the School Committee and the Building Committee, and their persistence to make a positive difference in the city of Auburn.

Elise Mulligan, Auburn