As a parent of children in the Pettingill Elementary School district, I ask voters to cast their votes on Feb. 27 to approve the new proposed school building.

Our current location was built in 1926; much has changed since then. The current school building is so outdated that it can’t properly support our children’s educational needs. The wiring is so old that our children cannot have Internet access. The old wiring will not support a new phone system, which is also needed. And a new school would eliminate the current health and safety concerns for our children and staff.

The existing building has one room for gym, school lunches, music, and assemblies; this is completely inadequate, especially for our children who suffer with food allergies – like my son. State guidelines call for at least 125 square feet per student; however, with Pettingill’s current building each student has only 85 square feet.

A new school would help to reduce the overcrowding that exists at Montello Elementary School. It would increase diversity in Pettingill Elementary School, as well.

The cost of the new school will be spread out for taxpayers over 20 years. The return on this investment is immeasurable. We must support our children’s education, for they are our future.

Lisa Bisson, Lewiston