Quality Education - Reading at a Crossroads

Frequently Asked Questions

Source: C.A.R.E.

Question: Won't the new school proposal result in the need for an override and the potential for new taxes?

Answer: The Finance Committee has budgeted 6.5% of the operating budget for capital projects and the funding for the proposed long term solution already fits within this budget. No additional tax increase is needed specifically for this project.

Question: Won't if be cost prohibitive to staff a new school?

Answer: In 2002, the year the new school would open, the majority of the staff would already be hired and teaching in alternative space. School administration has estimated an annual increase of $157,000 for staffing, however there will be reduced busing costs to compensate.

Question: Aren't there other viable alternatives which avoid the need for an entirely new school?

Answer: Town officials and outside consultants have studied numerous alternatives extensively over the past two years. The overwhelming conclusion is that the new school alternative is the best overall solution for Reading. Some of the other options which were analyzed in detail include:

• ADDING ONTO EXISTING SCHOOLS: This solution actually costs more due to logistical challenges associated with adding required space to cafeterias and gymnasiums.
• CENTRAL KINDERGARTEN: This option won't provide nearly enough relief to our capacity problems, and there is currently no facility capable of housing all Kindergarteners.
• USING SPACE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL: There is currently very little usable space at the High School and enrollment projections indicate all available space will be required for future High School students. Any renovations would be costly and won't solve the problem long term.

Question: Why should I support this initiative if I have no school aged children or I live in a neighborhood without an enrollment problem?

Answer: Our enrollment problems affect the entire community, not just specific families. By ensuring that we have adequate educational facilities for all students, Reading benefits through increased property values, the ability to educate all children close to their homes and by becoming a safer and more attractive community for all our residents to live.

Question: Will this project impact Reading's ability to renovate the High School?

Answer: No. The High School renovation has been planned separately. This renovation will proceed independent from whatever decision is made regarding the new school. Funds for the High School are dependent on an override and separate from the elementary project.

Question: Does the landfill sale affect the funding for this project?

Answer: Although proceeds from the landfill were never earmarked for this project, all town finances would be affected by the outcome of the landfill sale. Reading will still need to solve the enrollment problem and maintain the aging elementary schools. Stop gap measures cost nearly as much because they do not qualify for 66% state reimbursement.