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Don’t we lose our chance to receive state money if we vote NO?
No. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) permits towns to apply every year. For example, when the Town of Amherst voted against their mega-school, they were encouraged by the MSBA to reapply the next year.
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Isn’t the combined school our only option because our current schools don’t meet educational standards?
No. A wide range of options exist. Physical space standards and guidelines were developed by the MSBA “for determining maximum size and cost related to new construction and should not be used for assessing safety standards or educational adequacy of existing facilities…” 963 CMR 2.06(4)(b); 963 CMR 2.08(3). It was our own board members who took the renovation/addition option away – not the state.
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Are the schools overcrowded?
No. Since it’s peak in 2009, Ipswich elementary enrollment had decreased from 925 students to 779. The Winthrop school had two large empty classrooms this year. With enrollment projected to fall in the coming years, additional square footage will not be necessary. This is a space planning issue that modest additions and renovations can address in a much less expensive way.
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Is having one combined school at Doyon the fairest option for Ipswich children?
No. Removing our downtown school would destroy a lively culture in the center of downtown. It would also discriminate against low-income families who lack a car and rely on the walking proximity of Winthrop in order to participate in after school, IEP meetings, teacher conferences and evening events. Removing a school from downtown is not fair to our most vulnerable families.