I am voting yes for this project.  Yep, it's a big number, and yes, it will increase my taxes.  However,  my taxes are going up due to school related costs one way or the other.  I'd rather them be invested in a new structure, that addresses the needs of students, staff and community, and will last 50-plus years, versus my tax dollars being thrown away on an old structure, with numerous deficiencies and problems, to keep it limping along for another year.  Rest assured, this building is done. Kaput. It's time is up. We as a community will need to build a new school in the very near future, no matter what.

CRMS needs attention to the tune of a few million dollars right now.  And it will continue to need a few million dollars each year for a few more years.  After all those millions are invested to keep CRMS “adequate & safe” for habitation, we will then still need to build a new school.  By then the building will desperately need replacing. Who knows what that replacement cost will be — $28 million? $38 million?  It won't be lower than now, that's for sure.

It is time for a new middle school.  One that supports the education going on within the walls. One that is safe and healthy for the students and staff who occupy it eight-plus hours a day.  One that is efficient; in use of space and environmental resources.  One that can be a better neighbor to fellow Knowlton Street residents.

Let's do it now! While borrowing rates are at historic lows.  Before a crisis forces our hand (like with RES).  Now, after we have spent the last 18 months assessing, studying, and involving the interested public in the best possible solution.  Do it now, as our debt service for the other schools in our district decreases over the coming years. 

I hate throwing away my hard-earned money. It makes no sense to pay for mere repairs when we can bite the bullet and efficiently, logically invest our taxes in something new, better, safer, and more environmentally sound. Next year will be the highest tax impact for us all, and then it goes down from there. In two years, one school loan debt is paid off; in six years another one is paid off.

The middle school network of buildings on Knowlton Street has exceeded its useful life. Thanks to exemplary care of the current structures, students and staff have remained safe and have found innovative solutions around the many deficiencies.

Please join me in voting Yes for the CRMS Building Project.  Yes, it's needed.  No, our student body is not decreasing (rather it increases, every month. Just ask the principals). Yes, all options have been examined and discussed over the past year and a half in a very transparent, public process.

Vote Yes Feb. 10!  8 a.m. -8 p.m. Rockport Town Office and Washington Street Conference Room, Camden Opera House.

Heather Mackey lives in Rockport