The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries is advocating for a new high school building for Monument Mountain High School ahead of the critical vote on November 4, 2023. The organization has urged the local community to support the initiative, citing significant safety and educational concerns regarding the current facility.
The existing school structure has been deemed outdated, prompting the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to withhold funding for repairs. Concerns include a lack of fire suppression systems, inadequate air exchange, and numerous unsecured doors and windows. These issues not only pose safety risks but also highlight the inadequacy of the space to meet modern educational demands.
Ed Abrahams, President of the Friends of Great Barrington Libraries, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The decision is easy and obvious.” He pointed out that the current building features dark, windowless classrooms and inflexible spaces that do not align with contemporary educational needs.
The Friends organization also noted that a new school could be financed effectively. Massachusetts has allocated $60 million towards the construction of a new facility, making it financially comparable to repairing the obsolete structure. This funding presents a unique opportunity for the community to invest in modern educational infrastructure without imposing additional costs on local taxpayers.
Holly Hamer, Treasurer of the Friends of Great Barrington Libraries, reiterated the organization’s mission to support lifelong learning and literacy. “Learning begins in schools,” she stated, underscoring the connection between quality educational environments and student success.
The upcoming vote on November 4 will determine whether the school committee moves forward with plans to build a new school or opts for the costly alternative of patching up the existing building. The community’s decision will have lasting implications for local education, as well as for the safety and well-being of students and staff.
As residents prepare for the vote, the Friends of Great Barrington Libraries continues to encourage community members to consider the long-term benefits of investing in a new educational facility. The message is clear: support education and vote yes on November 4.
