To the editor:
Monument Mountain Regional High School shaped me into who I am today. These were some of the best years of my life—empowering me to reach higher, get involved, and take advantage of every opportunity. I loved my time at Monument—and now is the time to VOTE “YES” on November 4 to upgrade the school.
Now that I live in the community with my family, I visit Monument quite often. I look at the beauty of the setting—the Berkshire Hills rolling in the background—and then my eyes turn to the facility itself. Every time I look at the outside of the building, walk through the halls, or, worse, use the bathroom, I find myself hoping for a new school for the students and teachers at Monument. The building is inadequate and needs to be replaced.
I often compare Monument to other schools in the area—Wahconah, Mt. Greylock, and Taconic—wishing we had the same modern facilities. I’ll admit, I’m a little jealous that they have beautiful new buildings while we don’t. Across the country, and right here in our county, communities are investing in their schools and their students. I believe we should do the same by voting “YES” on November 4.
Research shows that students are a product of their environment. Performance improves when they learn in buildings with natural light, proper ventilation, and well-designed classrooms that create healthier learning environments. Updated technology and modern safety requirements should make a “YES” vote a no-brainer for anyone who values education. Modern facilities can provide secure entrances, upgraded fire and security systems, and inclusive spaces that serve all students, including those with disabilities.
A decision to VOTE “YES” and invest in educational infrastructure is a decision to invest in our community’s future. As families consider relocating or moving back to raise their children, they look for communities that invest in education and provide high-quality schools. Great Barrington was voted the best small town in America, yet our community continues to vote down the school rebuild. This vote is time-sensitive—an opportunity we may not have again for up to 10 years. And next time, the feasibility study will be funded entirely by taxpayers, and there is no doubt that the cost will never be less than what we have been offered today.
What’s especially exciting about Monument’s educational priorities, paired with the facility upgrade, is that the school will add a fourth Chapter 74 program, Electricity, to its already robust offerings in Automotive, Horticulture, and Early Childhood Development. In addition, Monument provides Innovation Pathways in Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, and Business and Finance, along with three general CVTE programs—Computer Science, MMTV, and Wood Technology. These much-needed opportunities for career development give students a head start in building their futures while strengthening our community.
Personally, I would welcome $61 million in state aid to build a new school. As taxpayers, we would pay $89 million over 30 years. I can’t imagine a world—now or in the future—where we could build a brand-new school for less than $89 million. The alternative, renovating, would be an unpredictable cost, likely exceeding the $89 million price tag and take five to 10 years to complete, with students and teachers displaced into temporary office trailers on the fields—a terrible environment for learning.
For context:
- Wahconah was completed in 2021 with a $72 million price tag.
- Taconic was completed in 2018 at $120 million.
- In 2014 the projected cost to replace Monument was $51 million.
This is our moment for Monument! We cannot afford to wait. Let’s build a school that reflects our values, secures our future, and promotes student success.
VOTE “YES” on November 4!
For more information, visit yesmonument.org.
Lauren Hyde
West Stockbridge
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