This is an open letter to Bethany Community School’s superintendent, John W. Barile, and the Board of Education in reference to their proposal to build an eight-room building, which is to be detached to the main school building with an enclosed walkway for an estimated $6.9 million.
This is to replace the existing annex buildings built 50 years ago. Is it not interesting to hear that a building 50 years old should be razed? Are we nuts? This is a repeat of a proposal of approximately 10 years ago. The buildings are of good, sound cement block and brick construction. If air conditioning is so important in today’s world, install new wiring to accommodate it. I had personally toured the annex buildings 10 years ago, and the teachers told me they loved the openness of the environment.
When considering the children’s safety, build a masonry crosswalk enclosure to keep the children safe when going to other classrooms. The walking is stimulating for the brain and should not be discredited. The excuses made do not warrant spending $6.9 million or more of our tax money. The educators and board members live in a fairy land.
Ten or 12 years ago, Russell vonBeren who was finance chairman stated if the school was to be built our taxes would be increased by 50 percent. My taxes are $7,000 plus now. It is an act of irresponsibility to the taxpayers of Bethany to be proposing a 50 percent increase in taxes. It is all absurd, therefore, I suggest Bethany residents let the Board of Education know it should not proceed with this wild expenditure.
Richard B. Barnes
Bethany