To the editor:
Vermont is small. Small towns, small mountains, small businesses, small schools.
It’s why we love it here.
On Thursday night the gym at Woodbury Elementary School was packed with community folks there for the spring concert. It was especially joyous as the school budget finally passed the night before. But I know the chatter to close WES will continue.
As I sat in the audience I tried to imagine why anyone would want to take this beautiful sense of community away from these kids. To possibly save a few dollars on your tax bill? Or because you’re upset that the building needs some maintenance? All structures need maintenance now and then. Along with roads and infrastructure. It’s a fact of life. We find a way to get it done.
Sure, our population of young people is smaller than it was when my kids were in school 20ish years ago, but our small towns are going to have an even harder time attracting families if we keep closing schools.
Let’s put our energy into supporting our small schools, not constantly holding a chopping block over their heads.
Woodbury Elementary has a great thing going. Dedicated staff, active community members and students that look out for each other. And the families of our district towns have a choice between Hardwick Elementary and WES. What a gift. What isn’t the best fit for one child is perfect for another.
These kids and teachers clearly worked hard to put on such an amazing concert and art presentation. They performed to an enthusiastic packed house and at the end all ages were congratulating each other.
Everyone knows everyone, how special is that? Isn’t that why we live here? I know I’m happy to cut back on a few small things to support our small schools. Children are our future. It’s cruel to keep holding school closings over their heads.
Please reach deep inside and ask yourself if you are really okay with working toward taking away a place of such educational and emotional importance to children.
Lenore Renaud, Hardwick
