Opinion: Old Colony project offers strong return on investment

To the editor: Six years ago, the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District began a journey that will culminate in a second district-wide election on June 20.

Along the way, there have been many challenges and successes.

Among the highlights were watching students and staff work together to create a vision for the future and planning a facility that could accommodate more students seeking admission to Old Colony. There

were disappointments as well, poorly attended public presentations, misunderstandings fueled by  misinformation, divisive rhetoric, and ultimately the failure of the first vote.

The Old Colony District School Committee alone had the authority to call for a second vote. This decision was not made out of disrespect for the results of the first election. Rather, it was made because 87

percent of eligible district voters either were unaware of the vote or chose not to participate. The School Committee believes the future of Old Colony is too important not to revisit the question.

We respect those who voted in the original election, and we respect the right of those who disagree to express their views at the ballot box. However, doing nothing was not a decision we could accept.

Old Colony is a well-maintained school building that has served generations of students. Yet despite the care it has received, it remains largely unchanged since its construction.

Maintenance alone cannot overcome the effects of time. While the building may appear sound on the surface, many of the most pressing concerns are not visible to the eye. In addition, approximately half of the students who apply to Old Colony are denied admission because there simply is not enough space.

These students represent the next generation of electricians, carpenters, culinary professionals, health care workers, and other skilled tradespeople. At a time when employers are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, vocational education has never been more important.

The Old Colony District School Committee takes seriously its fiduciary responsibility to the member towns it serves and strives to act in their best interests. We believe that calling for a second vote fulfills that responsibility.

At the same time, we recognize our obligation as stewards of the education provided to Old Colony students. Public education is a sacred trust passed from one generation to the next. Every graduate of a public school benefited from the investment made by those who came before them. While public education requires significant resources and often demands sacrifice, its value extends far beyond the present day.

We encourage you to learn more about the project by visiting the Old Colony website. The outcome of this referendum will affect generations of students who are not yet old enough to walk through our doors. Before they become our students, they are your children, grandchildren, neighbors, and future community members.

We understand that the investment being requested is significant. We ask only that you consider whether the benefits and the return on that investment may be even greater.

Nancy Souza

Chair, Old Colony District School Committee Chair

Shirley Bourque

Old Colony School Building Committee