Portsmouth, N.H., school board backs study circles' recommendations

Kudos to board for progress on school concept

by Editorial

July 3, 2007 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The School Board should be congratulated for its unanimous vote in support of moving to the next step in the Middle School renovation plan.

Portsmouth Listens study circles spent much time in reviewing the current and future needs of the middle school. Their findings, after weighing all factors, showed that the best solution for the middle school is to renovate and expand at the current site. The School Board listened and acted accordingly. The School Board's charge is to provide the best education possible for the students in the city. It has stuck to its guns in ensuring that the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grades will remain together in a renovated and expanded facility, and that the renovation will meet the "education narrative," address athletic-field needs and ensure the safety of the students in the drop-off and pick-up locations.

The request for funds from the City Council to begin the complex design process should be granted. The only change we would suggest is that these funds be used to secure an architectural firm that has experience in the renovation of older school buildings. In the request for proposals, the School Board charges listed above should be included so that the community works toward a renovation that will address those concerns. We do not need another study to choose a location.

The time to act is now. The School Board and City Council working together will be able to solve all the outstanding issues. Together, they have the ability to take the next step and secure a firm experienced in these types of renovations, address the field issues and guarantee a finished project of which we can all be proud.

Let's move forward — no more studies, just a design that addresses the School Board concerns at the Parrott Avenue location.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070703/OPINION/707030393

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