On Sept. 14, the city of Auburn will hold a citywide referendum on building a new elementary school on Park Avenue.

The first question will ask for approval of the construction of the school. This school will replace the 75-year-old Lake Street School, which is not handicapped accessible, has no gym or cafeteria, and is unable to serve a K-6 population due to size constraints.

The second question will ask for approval to build a larger, standard-sized gymnasium and to air condition the classrooms. As anyone who participates in sports knows, gym facilities in the Auburn area are sorely lacking. This would be an opportunity to facilitate greater participation in athletic activities, at times more convenient especially to school-age children.

The city of Auburn will receive 84 percent of the project’s cost ($8.1 million) from the state to finance this project. Auburn’s share of the project will not increase property taxes. There is currently debt service being paid on previous school projects that will be retired, as the new debt service would begin. If the referendum does not pass, Auburn will lose the $8.1 million, and the state will give it to the next school on its list of deserving towns.

To pass up a gift of this caliber is not only fiscally wrong, it sends a message to potential businesses and families who might relocate to our city that support for education is lacking. I urge everyone to support this project.

Elise Mulligan, Auburn

Copy the Story Link