To Set the Record Straight
I want to be certain that everyone understands exactly where I stand regarding the new school proposal. In
a recent article in a local daily newspaper, I was listed as saying I was against the new school article
because the cost will be so great that it could really hurt a town the size of Litchfield. I feel the need
to clarify. Yes the cost is high but the need for a good environment for our children to be educated in is
higher. I wish there was a cheaper solution to the problem but with the cost to refurbish Griffin Memorial
School coming within reason of the cost of a new school, it doesn't make sense.
So to be perfectly clear I support the new school proposal as I do the new fire station. The town of
Litchfield needs both of these facilities to continue to move forward in the planning and developing of this
town before the costs continue to rise. I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding. I want to be sure that
all voters know the truth before they head to the polls.
As I have said before, I am a "no strings attached" candidate. I will not be bullied or persuaded into
something that I do not believe is in the best interest of the town. With that said, I take full responsibility
for the misinterpretation in the paper. Instead of just saying yes I support the new school proposal, I felt
the need to explain why I thought it may not pass.
I hope this clears up any confusion that may have occurred due to that article and hope to have your support
on Election Day.
Steve Perry - Litchfield
School Facility Conditions Affect Student Achievement
I have been a resident of Litchfield for 20 years. I am approaching retirement in the next few years, so I
am as concerned as any resident about the money I am paying for taxes. I am also a teacher in Litchfield
at the middle school. I have heard time after time about the enrollments in Litchfield "projected" to become
lower over the next few years, but this in no way should be the reason we do or do not build a new elementary
school. The essential question is not about enrollments but about how school facility conditions affect
student achievement. Every day in the classroom, I have direct knowledge of how the environment of a school
affects student learning, but many of the residents of Litchfield do not have that opportunity, so I decided
to review the research literature on this subject to show the proven detrimental effect of Griffin's poor
condition on our students.
Do not be fooled. The research indicates that students' achievement is affected by the poor conditions of
schools. The schools considered "poor" in the studies that I reviewed were ones that have the same deplorable
conditions as Griffin Memorial School. Student achievement is affected by many variables, but over the past
three decades many hundreds of studies have been conducted to measure the effect of school conditions on student
achievement and almost all of these studies have found a statistically significant relationship between the
physical condition of the school and student achievement. The test scores between the "best" schools and
schools like Griffin Memorial differed by as much as 17 percentile points in reading, writing and math. This
is a significant difference which some studies suggested are cumulative, meaning that the differences in student
achievement in elementary school will follow the students throughout their academic careers. This makes
educational sense considering the foundations of a child's academic success are indeed rooted in elementary school.
The current emphasis on student achievement by the No Child Left Behind Act generally focuses on student
test scores and the quality of instruction. This mindset is missing a crucial element, namely, the poor
condition of our schools like Griffin Memorial. We cannot ignore this vital part of the equation. If we
want our students to improve their achievement in school, we must address the crucial element of the conditions
at Griffin. The notion that our students are getting an adequate education in a school with such poor conditions
is just not supported by the research over the last three decades. Please vote yes for the new elementary school
in Litchfield.
Faye O'Blenis, M.Ed. - Litchfield
Vote 'Yes' for Kids in Litchfield
"The community today needs, once again, to take on the responsible role it has played in most of
mankind's history in being accountable for the next generation."
In Litchfield, a new elementary school is the right thing to do. We need a school to house Preschool
(federally mandated for special needs), Kindergarten (soon to be state mandated), and grades 1 through
5. This school will meet current and future needs of our community and will ultimately be the best
financial option for our town. Our children and grandchildren deserve a safe and appropriate education -
not one in mold-infested buildings or in trailers in parking lots.
No one wants taxes to go up, but ignoring our school needs will never make them disappear. For most of
us, the tax increase from the school (average $36 per month) means one less family meal out per month.
For those with financial hardship, consider putting your federal rebate check (money none of us expected
to be getting) towards your property taxes.
We need to come together as a community and do the right thing - build this school! Please vote 'yes'
for School Board Article 1.
Rachel Kanaley - Litchfield
School Funding of Education
The state is currently working on a new plan to fund education in the state. The current proposal will reduce
the school aid to Litchfield for the 2009 school year by approximately $2 million. That reduction will result
in a tax rate increase of over $2.25 per thousand valuation resulting in an increase of over $800 for the median
home in Litchfield. Can we really afford to build a new school?
Bill Spencer - Litchfield
Quality Education for Years
If you haven't got a chance to check out the Website for building a new elementary school in Litchfield may I suggest you go
right to it at: http://newschoolinfo.litchfieldnhboards.com/, rather than finishing my letter. There is nothing I could
write that would be nearly as helpful as that Website.
If you are continuing to read this letter, then maybe you do not have a computer, or have made up your mind already, or just
don't think it's important. You may be one of the many people who DO NOT want your taxes raised! Well join the club. Neither
do I. But did you know that we are paying a ton of money to patch up the existing building? I can only speak for myself, but
like my 1994 Honda Civic, eventually we need to stop putting good money into a bad building (I only wish GMS ran as well as a
Honda). Now that I jinxed myself, someone knock on wood please.
It's never going to feel like a good time to take this seemingly big step, but has anyone ever met someone who regretted building
a new school in a town? Years from now we can all look back with pride for taking this step together. A financial investment
such as this will actually put money back in our pockets if we ever decide to sell our homes. A newer elementary school (with
the fantastic teachers they tend to have) is a great selling point for a young couple looking for a good home.
My own boys will never attend this new school, but I continue to support it for the thousands upon thousands of kids that will
receive a quality education for many years to come. Signs are presently being made to be posted on properties, if you have
interest in having one, please email me with your home address (street and number) for delivery and installation. If you
would like to pick up your sign when they are ready our address is 8 Pilgrim Drive. I can be reached at:
fourorlandos@comcast.net or by calling me at: 883-5652.
Doug Orlando - Litchfield
We have lived in Litchfield since 1987. Our two children attend Litchfield public schools, both attended Griffin
Memorial School (GMS). We support building the new Litchfield elementary school to house Pre-K, public kindergarten,
and grades 1-5. There are many reasons why it is important that this project happen now.
The new school is an investment and is the best use of tax dollars. It addresses a wide range of needs (educational,
health, safety, and space) for grades 1-8, both short-term and long-term. Four of six fifth grade classes are in
portables in the LMS parking lot. But, GMS and LMS are in dire need of space, more than just general classrooms.
The new school also solves the need for public kindergarten classrooms and the pre-school special education classroom,
both required by the state. The building will be energy efficient, durable, and up-to-code and has been designed
for cost-effective expansion when/if needed. The LMS site does not have the water problems that are present at GMS.
GMS needs extensive work, at a substantial cost. Spending millions and millions of tax dollars on GMS is not going
to solve school space needs because the need to build a new school still exists. Many major issues exist with regard
to the age and physical condition of the GMS building and its systems and the GMS site. Spending millions of dollars
on a system is not the answer. It will not address the "domino effect" on the integrated building systems or other
issues such as energy inefficiency, building and ADA codes compliance, no sprinkler system, traffic on and offsite,
or parking. This is just to name a few, there are so many more on the list.
Numerous studies and testing on the GMS building and site have been done. Water problems exist at GMS and can not
be dismissed - high humidity, slippery floors from condensation, bleaching the carpet, walls, and furniture, etc.
Dehumidification of the building alone will not solve the problem. Any new materials purchased with our tax dollars
are at risk because they are exposed to the same conditions as those materials they replaced. Is it prudent to
continue to fund band-aid fixes over and over again, some more significantly expensive than others? Dewatering of
the GMS site will be very expensive and most likely not solve the problem. We have been told this by a number of
different engineers, engineering firms, and architectural firms over the years. The high ground-water table will
also impact the permitting, design, and cost (yet to be determined) to replace the 30+ year-old GMS septic fields.
Each year we wait it costs us more - increased construction costs, high utility bills, repairs and maintenance just
to keep GMS going. We need the new elementary school.
Polls are open 7am-7pm at Campbell High School. On Tuesday, March 11, vote YES on School District Warrant Article 1.
Stephen and Dot (School Board member) Beauregard
Litchfield
A Better Tax Investment
Taxes. Nobody likes them and nobody wants them, especially when they are perceived to be new or increased taxes.
But does anyone think about the taxes they are already spending and consider if they could be put to better use?
The town of Litchfield has spent almost $1.6 million dollars repairing Griffin Memorial School over the last 11
years. In those same 11 years, the town has spent $552,462 in repairs on the middle school which includes $227,725
for a new roof 2 yrs ago. Even though the middle school is 20 years old, it costs us much, much less to repair and
maintain, whereas Griffin Memorial School is deteriorating faster than we can pour money into it and it just keeps
getting worse. Even in the last 4 yrs as we've been trying to hold the line on spending as a new school is proposed,
the town has spent almost half a million dollars in repairs and maintenance. Wouldn't this have been better invested
in a new school with lower repairs and maintenance and lower heat, electrical and other operational costs?
Please check
http://www.litchfieldsd.org/budget/election/NewSchoolPresentation.pdf
slides 22 through 28 to see the comparison of repairs and cost savings. This doesn't even take into account a
potential catastrophic system failure such as septic or electrical which would be extremely costly. Griffin has a
major water problem. The State will not approve any additions or guarantee any aid for repairs. It is over-crowded,
has no room for kindergarten, and the 5th grade are in portables. All of these things continue to cost us more
tax dollars. A new school removes the portables, provides kindergarten space and options for future expansion, and
results in lower repairs and operating costs than Griffin Memorial School, providing a better financial option for the town.
Voting no on Article 1 will result in continuing to pour more and more of our hard earned tax dollars into a building
that can't meet the needs of the community. Let's put our taxes to better use. Please vote for a better investment of
the tax dollars already spent and support the new school.
Cindy Couture
Litchfield
Want or Need?
Is the new school a need? The student population in Griffin Memorial School has dropped from 559 in 2005 to 484 for this year.
Next year, the numbers to drop to 433 students and the teaching staff has been reduced. By the fall of 2009 it will have
dropped to 424 students and by 2010 to below 400 students.
The fifth-grade enrollment is seeing the same drop-off. Next year's budget provides for 145 fifth-grade students, but in the
fall of 2009 it drops to 103. By the administration's projections, in four years the portables can be removed. It is obvious
that a lack of classroom space does not justify building a new school.
We have been told that Griffin Memorial School (GMS) is in such terrible condition that it would cost over $10 million to "repair"
it and therefore it is cheaper to replace it. That cost represents an estimate to "renovate" GMS into a "like new" condition for
300 students. It does not represent the cost to correct the most frequently quoted electrical and moisture issues. Of interest,
at the recent Deliberative session it was stated that the annual air quality tests at GMS showed that there is no air quality
problem in the building caused by the water table.
So, what is the $10 million being spent on? It spends $1.2 million on outside work including new parking lots and the widening
of Route 3A; $1.7 million on new doors, ceilings, floors, windows, white boards, bookcases, and projection screens in each
classroom; $300,000 to replace the existing bathroom fixtures; and $1.5 million for cost escalation and other general requirements.
There is $1.5 million allocated for desks and chairs, computers, modular classrooms and a contingency fund. The architect and
engineering fees are the bulk of a $900,000 cost item.
The cost estimate has $2.1 million to replace the heating and ventilation systems (HVAC) and $1.3 million to replace the
electrical systems. Based upon these costs one could conclude that the major issues (electrical, HVAC) at GMS could be corrected
for significantly less than the $10 million. It is worth noting that the town of Amherst is planning on spending $2.2 million
on a school similar in age and size as GMS with much of the same physical issues. They are replacing its electrical systems and
lighting fixtures, upgrading the HVAC, replacing windows, installing a sprinkler system, and meeting ADA requirements for slightly
over $2 million.
If the warrant articles for the new school and the school operating budget pass, the taxes on the median home in Litchfield would
increase by about $700. The following year (2009), that same homeowner could expect to pay an additional $700 in school taxes
alone. Further, with potential town increases (2009) in the police department and road maintenance projects, that same homeowner
could expect an additional $700 increase for a total increase of at least $2,100 over the next two years. In year three (2010),
the incinerator will no longer meet environmental requirements and will need to be shut down, we will have a new teacher's contract
to pay for and there is the unanswered question of what kind of a tax burden an empty GMS will become.
One would think that in view of the declining enrollments that GMS could be repaired for costs similar to Amherst. The facts say
that this is a want, not a need. A no vote on both school warrant articles will send a strong message to the new school board to
come up with a realistic repair plan for GMS.
Bill Spencer - Litchfield
On behalf of the Litchfield School Board, I'd like to take a moment and clarify some aspects of Mr. Spencer's letter, and bring
to light a few things he didn't mention.
The current building committee spent more than 18 months looking at GMS, interviewing experts, reviewing reports, studies, and
other information to develop this proposal. Mr. Spencer hasn't been in GMS in recent history, and obviously spent much less
time reviewing materials. He fails to tell the whole story; instead misclassifying items and cherry picking items he doesn't
think are necessary but need to be considered.
Mr. Spencer views a school as a number of classrooms divided by the number of students in them. He doesn't consider the
educational spaces are inappropriate; most don't meet state standards, local ordinances, ADA standards, and building,
fire and life safety codes.
Please remember the "declining enrollments" he quotes as definitive student counts are really PROJECTIONS. He "forgot"
that the current projection was for 95 incoming first graders in September 2008, and we currently have 5% more students
pre-registered than the projection. Historically, we see more students in September than pre-register, on average 10 to
20 more. He also consistently fails to include the special needs students at GMS, currently 45 or so, which brings the
total number of students using GMS to 525.
Amherst is doing a renovation of their school. We asked for and received information from them on their proposed work,
and compared that to what is needed at GMS. They are repairing/upgrading many items, not replacing them, and they don't
have a water problem on their site like we have at GMS.
What didn't he include? Kindergarten. The state has mandated it, we currently don't offer it, don't have any space for
it, but Litchfield does have state money reserved for implementing it, over $1 million dollars. The new school is the
least expensive option for implementing Kindergarten for us, as it costs the taxpayers NOTHING to include in the new school.
No mention of the septic situation at GMS; it is past life expectancy, and the state has said it is unlikely we will be
able to replace the leach field when it fails, due to the high water table. This will leave us with a building with no
way to get rid of waste water; does it seem like a wise investment to pour more money into a building in that situation?
Analysis done by the School District business administrator demonstrated if the school and budget pass, taxes on a $400,000
home will rise by $612. The impact on the tax rate in 2008 from just the new school is $184 for a $400,000 home. Since no
one has a crystal ball - ANY estimate on taxes based on a "future year's budget" or "future projects" is nothing more than a
guess, and in this case an attempt to instill fear of rising taxes, making people vote no. Compared to 2006-07, the 2008-09
taxes for the new school AND the school district operating budget are up only $88.
Voting is Tuesday, March 11th, from 7AM to 7PM in the CHS gymnasium. The children of Litchfield can't vote, but their parents
and anyone who values education can and should. This is the BEST opportunity we have to improve the educational environment
for generations of Litchfield's children to come.
Can you spare 20 minutes to walk through GMS, see the conditions and get the facts? GMS will be open for "beyond the classroom
tours" on Monday, the 10th of March from 4PM to 8PM.
Dennis Miller
Chairman, Litchfield School Board
It's A Tough Decision
This year we once again will go to the polls to place our vote on the recommendation to construct a new elementary school
in response to current school safety and capacity issues. In today's economic landscape, many are wondering how they can
afford an increase in taxes to support this initiative, versus putting food on their table or clothes on their back.
Honestly, I don't think there is ever a really good time for such a decision on an investment of this magnitude. Before
going to the poll, please let me share with you my thoughts on why I believe this tough decision needs our support.
Do you realize that the school system has a direct relationship to the valuation of your home? Supporting this article
will appreciate the value of your home, your investment. A school system with overcrowding, safety, and maintenance
issues actually deters buyers and negatively impacts the value of our homes, in the long run costing us more than the
expected increase in our taxes.
The greatest challenge is the water table which penetrates through the foundation of the elementary school, causing a
significant condensation in the building. Biannually the maintenance team bleaches areas of the building where condensation
creates a breeding ground for mold build up. If I had to bleach rooms of my home twice a year, I would find that unacceptable,
so I can't imagine how it can be acceptable for the children who attend the school. If we can't solve these water issues,
which there are no guarantees we can, any costly renovation expenditures would be like throwing money at a sinking ship.
On busy route 3A traffic comes to a standstill periodically every school morning as kids are dropped off by their parents.
Limited parking at school functions at either GMS or LMS force parents to park out on streets, or wherever they can maneuver
their car. I am surprised that safety officials in town have not demanded a change, as many times roadways become one lane
roads with no safety access.
The 'short-term' portables are still in use, where fifth graders spend their day in class, and must go outdoors to use the
facilities in the main building (bathrooms, cafeteria, library, and gymnasium). With the record snow conditions we have had
this year; I really applaud the kids for continuing to take it in stride. But, we need to give these children a better
educational experience than this.
It's true that state statistics forecast the student enrollment projections at our schools dropping. We have
to be cautious though, as these projections based upon uncontrollable factors can also mislead us. We were projected to have
95 first grade student enrollments for the September of 2008 first grade class, but we already have 101 student registrations
and expect another 10 or more registered in the coming months. A drop in enrollment doesn't solve the mechanical or safety
issues, and relocating fifth graders back to GMS just continues the overcrowding conditions.
There are no easy, low-cost, low-impact solutions to all the issues which plague the school's safety and capacity issues.
It's a tough decision to be made, which will have financial impact to our families whether the vote is for or against the
new school. A vote in favor of the new school will not only help the young children who will benefit from it for years to
come, but it will help our community as we invest in our futures. I encourage you to vote in favor of the proposed article.
John Harte - Litchfield
The Litchfield BUILD Team
I would like to make the Litchfield community aware of a new group in town.
Because
Ultimately
It's for
Litchfield's
Development team has been created by citizens within the Litchfield
community to help distribute information about
the proposed new elementary school. They have been very busy creating a website, pulling together information for a
flyer and handing out those flyers at sporting events and other activities within the community. They will be doing
their best to get to as many groups as possible to hand out information and answer any questions those in the community
may have regarding School Board Article 1.
After spending more than 18 months on the Litchfield Building Committee, I would like to thank the members of the
BUILD Team for taking such a strong lead to bring the information to the community. I firmly believe a new elementary
school is the most economical and overall best solution for Litchfield now and as we look to the future of our town.
It is time to stop sinking our tax dollars into a building that has some fundamental problems that can not be fixed
and seriously lacks the space necessary for the education of our youngest community members. I ask you to please
take the opportunity to review the information about School Board Article 1 before voting day. I will also be
volunteering my time to the BUILD Team to help get the information out to our community and to assist in answering
questions.
The group welcomes community input and volunteers. If you would like the group to bring information to you, your
group or you would like to volunteer your time, please feel free to contact them at:
buildanewschool@gmail.com
or visit their website for more information: http://newschoolinfo.litchfieldnhboards.com.
Tracy Caprioglio
Litchfield Building Committee
To the voters of Litchfield,
I am writing to urge each of you to consider the facts when making your decision to vote this year on the school warrant article. We
are doing a great job educating our students at GMS, but the building and most of its systems are at critical end stage. Our school
board and GMS staff, from administration to janitorial, do such a great job maintaining the most visible parts of the building that
visitors and people may mistakenly believe the building adequately meets the needs of our town and students.
I don't profess to have an understanding of the complex studies that estimate the revamping of this building at 10.5 million dollars.
A revamping that may or may not be eligible for State aid, a revamping that will not give us any more space in an over-crowded building,
a revamping that will not house the kindergarten mandated by the State of NH beginning 2009. There is not enough room here for a complete
list of all the benefits we will receive with a new elementary school. I will try to highlight just a few: the portable classrooms will
be removed from the LMS parking lot, two additional classrooms will be returned to LMS, 5th grade students will be returned to an elementary
environment where they belong, our kindergarten will be built, and adequate special education space will be available. We will be eligible
receive 30% aid from the state on the grade 1-5 sections of the building, and 75% aid from the state on the kindergarten components, leaving
14.5 million dollars to be raised by the town. This solution recommends one building: one building to build, one building to staff, and one
building to maintain. With this new elementary school, we will find ourselves with a school system that will meet all the needs of our
projected enrollments immediately and for the next ten years.
I am new to this type of community involvement, but all I had to do was look at the facts. Over the past eleven school years, we have
spent $1,595,635 in repairs to GMS; this includes 2003-2004 when funds were frozen because of a new school warrant. By comparison, the
amount spent on LMS over the same period was $552,462, which includes a new roof. It makes no sense to keep pouring good money into a
building that was initially constructed in the 1930's and has so many problems. It's time to move forward, Litchfield; let's stop throwing
money at a building that even if fixed up does not meet our needs.
Any resident can find out more for themselves at http://newschoolinfo.litchfieldnhboards.com/.
Respectfully submitted,
Beckie Moore
Litchfield resident
BUILD team member
To All Litchfield residents,
As the senior administrator in the school district, I thought it would be appropriate for me to discuss the current conditions at
Griffin Memorial School (GMS) as voters decide whether to support the forthcoming building project. Most of you know me as I've
had your children in school, and I dare say I now have many of your grandchildren at GMS. This is the first time that I'm publicly
supporting a building project for our children. Time is running out for our facility and it's time to make some tough decisions.
The three main issues confronting the daily operations of GMS are environmental, building code and safety issues and those involving
appropriate educational space. The environmental issues are manifested as a moisture and humidity problem. This is particularly
true in the spring, summer and fall when these levels are high. Surface mold and mildew grow with walls having to be bleached
twice annually. There is often a presence of a wet film on tile surfaces during these months which make for a damp feel to the
classrooms in these areas. It is also very slippery for students, staff and visitors to our building.
The building code issues involve an old facility which does not come close to meeting standards. Some of these include fire,
electrical and plumbing. We have fire walls that do not reach the roof of the building as well as no sprinkler system. Our water
main comes directly in to our electrical room which is certainly not allowed under current code. Several of our classrooms only have
two or three electrical outlets and the fire department is hesitant to let us use extension cords and power strips for obvious reasons.
Fortunately, some would say, we are able to continue to operate as we are "grandfathered in," not having to meet current codes.
Over the years instruction for students has changed. Educational space appropriate for these changes is difficult to achieve in
an old facility. We have very little storage at our school. A walk through of our office will confirm this. The current loading
dock is the reception area for parents and students. The school looks cluttered, having very little space to store anything.
Several of our support services take place in closets and hallways. Our library was designed for middle school students who were
here at Griffin until 1988. Our lack of technology, guidance space and specified learning areas designed for those purposes greatly
impacts the needs of our students.
The current Building Committee, which I play the role as a consultant, has worked very hard in addressing what is needed. I personally
thought, at the beginning of this process, that a modest renovation project of Griffin was something that the town would support.
After 18 months of study I realize that the current new building proposal makes the most sense. I ask you to support the building proposal this year.
Martin Bo Schlichter, principal, Griffin Memorial School - Litchfield