To The Editor:
On November 13, the HUUSD Board voted to "continue exploring" a preK-12 plan that will close Fayston Elementary School, move all Moretown fifth- and sixth-graders to Crossett Brook and close Harwood Middle School.
The HUUSD Board did not vote to close Fayston School because they aren't legally allowed to until 2021. Instead, they merely voted on a "plan" to keep exploring this option. As we all know, plans can change. The HUUSD vote is not legally binding and, therefore, does not make Fayston's closure inevitable. As voters, parents and taxpayers, we absolutely have the power to force the board to change course by voting in new school board members, petitioning to change the Articles of Agreement and voting down the bond if necessary. We can and must demand that the HUUSD Board pursue alternative plans for our district that build on our strengths and address the true challenges of declining enrollment rather than dismantling strong, vibrant schools.
For my fellow Fayston parents who are concerned that school closure is inevitable and are considering enrolling your children in another school next year, I know the anxiety and fear you are feeling. But if your heart is at Fayston, please stay and help us fight this. The only thing that will make school closure inevitable is if we give up.
And for community members who haven't visited Fayston and are curious about why we love it so much, I'd encourage you to come visit and see for yourself why it is such a magical place and why we are committed to fighting so hard to preserve it
Mariah McGill
Waitsfield, Vermont
