To the editor:
As a recent graduate of Monument Mountain Regional High School, I can attest to the high morale of students in the building, a direct testament to the people who give it life.
Schools are the lifeblood of our communities, and I have always been proud to be part of a community that values investing in young people. Monument has always offered an innovative and meaningful approach to education. And while that spirit still thrives, we must recognize that spirit alone cannot carry a school forward indefinitely.
A “Yes” vote is not about fancy extras; it is about basic, modern conditions that allow educators to do what they do best while letting students learn without the burden of an outdated facility. It is about matching the excellence of our people with the tools and spaces they deserve.
Let’s be clear about what happens if this fails. Staff and student morale will collapse. That is not speculation; it is human nature. People go where they feel hopeful. Teachers and staff will leave for districts that invest in them. Families who might have moved to our community will choose those that prioritize education. When we tolerate an aging, deteriorating building, we contradict the central promise that our students are our top priority.
The cost of inaction is not zero. Endless repairs and rising maintenance bills will drain already scarce resources. But the real cost is losing irreplaceable teachers and staff, while prospective families choose communities that put education first.
The decision is simple. Either we do this now with MSBA support or we face the certainty that any future option will come at an exponentially higher cost, funded entirely by local taxpayers. A failed vote will eliminate our only opportunity for partnership.
This project is not about vanity; it is about addressing problems we have ignored for too long. As a community, we can replace the long-held notion of “we’ll make do” with a tangible commitment to make Monument Mountain better for the next generation. This project is our chance to invest in our students and the school district, which makes our community thrive.
Vote “Yes” on the Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Project.
Julian Beadell
Monument Mountain Class of 2023
Stockbridge
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