Fact Sheet

Quality Education
Reading at a Crossroads

Reading elementary enrollment is projected to increase by 400 students within six years and significantly exceed current capacity, according to state Dept. of Health statistics and Dept. of Education requirements.

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Children are taught in trailers, hallways, closets and on stages -- in every available space.
Half of Reading's elementary schools need renovation or major repair. Repairs are estimated around $6 million.
Overcrowded schools increase traffic safety concerns.

Vote YES
on January 11

Your vote is needed to build a school, solve our enrollment problem and continue Reading's commitment to quality education.

Long Term Solution		or	Stop Gap Measures
New School	`$9,100,000`		Portables	`$1,200,000`
Barrows Addition (already approved)	`$7,100,000`		Barrows repairs	`$2,220,750`
Killam renovation (scheduled in 2003)	`$6,645,000`		Killam repairs	`$3,497,500`
state aid (66%)	`($15,077,700)`		state aid (0%)	`$0`

Cost to Reading	`$7,767,300`	or		`$6,918,250`

The only long term, cost effective and financially responsible solution.
The only proposal that meets state standards and would receive 66% state reimbursement is the new school solution. Portable classrooms and inadequate facilities will disqualify Reading for state funding.
Return to neighborhood schools.
A new school combined with an already approved Barrows addition and renovation will eliminate the present need for crosstown busing.
Funds currently spent on busing would offfset staffing costs for a new school.

CARE -- Community Action for Reading Education
Gael Phillips-Spence - Chair, Paula Tucci - Treasurer
care.cjb.net

C.A.R.E. - 19991209-1848