We write as Auburn residents concerned about the future of our community.

In order for growth to occur, Auburn must attract new businesses and families. As it stands now, many professionals are choosing to work here, but seem unwilling to locate their families here, choosing areas south of the Twin Cities. There may be multiple reasons for that, but there is one that seems to be very evident — the poor rating for the high school.

There is an internet site — greatschools.org — that many families could check when deciding to make a move to a new location. The site is also referenced by a real estate firm. Every Auburn resident should take a look at that site and then start asking some hard questions about why Edward Little High School is rated 1 in 10, with 1 being the lowest attainable score. In fact, Lewiston High and Edward Little have the lowest score of any rated high schools in the state. Why?

In looking at other high schools in the country with similar poverty rates, their ratings are higher. Why? Two areas with critical deficiencies are test scores and college/career readiness, according to the site. The data was last updated on Oct. 20, 2017.

A new high school can be built — which is very much needed — but that in itself will not fix the inherent problems in the system.

Residents of Auburn should expect and demand a higher rating. The future of the community depends on it.

Suzanne and John Plourde, Auburn

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