The parking lots around the school are in serious need of repair and
replacement, having degraded to the point where potholes are caverns,
and cars and buses are being regularly damaged. Additionally, the
curbing has deteriorated to the point where stormwater runoff is no
longer properly managed. The estimated cost of rebuilding the parking
lot is $425,000 to $500,000.
Included in the November bond request are funds for adding another
athletic field on the Delong property, purchased last year by Harwood
with plans to add a new field. The aforementioned repairs come in at
$795,000, leaving $300,000 to create a new athletic field.
Recall that last November district voters turned down a much more
elaborate plan for a $2.4 million upgrade to all of Harwood athletic
fields and facilities. Voters defeated that request by a district-wide
vote of 3,982 to 3,496.
Harwood is a middle and high school, but it is also a resource and a
place that school board members, staff, teachers, administrators and
students have been working hard to improve and make into a more focal
part of the community.
The towns and taxpayers in the district already have a significant
investment in the school. To fail to make these necessary repairs and
upgrades is irresponsible.
No one likes bond votes and taxes, but this project deserves a yes vote.
{loadnavigation}
