Andover residents need to speak up. Votes to close the Andover and Woodstock schools are scheduled to take place by the SAD 44 board on Jan. 31. It is time for SAD 44 to bite the bullet and fund all of the district schools.

A school is a big part of the community. Why would anyone with young children choose to move to a town with no school?

Many townspeople may no longer have children or grandchildren in school; however, what will the future bring? Maybe there will be other people who would like to bring up their children here.

Granted, times are hard, but things are looking better. Andover joined SAD 44 when the town had a large tax base (Comsat). There were other options, but voters chose to help support SAD 44.

I hope taxpayers of SAD 44 support Andover (and Woodstock). It is my belief that, in the long run, that will be best for all member towns.

Leon Akers, Andover