On June 13, we have an opportunity to vote to approve funds to replace the middle school facility at the existing property of Camden-Rockport Middle School.  When this proposal came our way a few years ago, I didn’t understand the need to spend millions on a new building.  I am embarrassed to admit that I naively voted no.  After seeing the extent of the damage, deficiencies and safety concerns at the current CRMS building, I am definitely voting YES this time! I encourage others to consider doing so as well.

I was also impressed to vote YES on June 13 when I realized that if we don’t choose to invest now  for a safer, healthier and more fuel-efficient building to support the fantastic education our fifth-eighth graders enjoy, we will be spending much more later.  It will cost two-thirds as much to bring this old and frail building up to code as it will to build a new one – then we’d need a new one much sooner.

A new building will have safe fire escapes, safer drop-off and pick-up, disabled parking, elevators and walkways – all of which the existing CRMS don’t have now.  The new one will not have water leaks, chipped paint, cracks in the foundation, outdated equipment and electrical.  The new building will cost less to heat, waste less energy, have up-to-date access to technology, safe doors, stairways and fire exits.  The new building will not be an accident waiting to happen.

I will vote YES on the new CRMS building to provide a safe and healthy building for the nearly 500 students, teachers, administrators and staff that call the middle school home.  In addition, if we pay now, we will pay a lot less in the long run than if we pay to repair now and rebuild later.

Please consider voting YES on June 13.  Thank you!

Barbara MacDonald-Rodgers lives in Camden.