Vote Yes on 5/2 for the Pierce Debt Exclusion!

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction” JFK

Let us set aside the notion that Pierce was the school most deserving of improvement and yet it was left for last. Let us also set aside the cost of the project to focus on one thing-when evaluating the Pierce School debt exclusion, can we afford inaction? 

The Pierce School does not meet the standard for a public school district and community that strives to be one of the best in Massachusetts. Brookline has a long standing reputation for excellence in public education and yet the state of the Pierce School wouldn’t be acceptable in any other district, anywhere. It is crowded. It is inaccessible. It is hazardous. Anecdotes from some children include not using the bathrooms throughout the course of the day due to their decrepit conditions and perceived safety. Some children and staff have to attend other schools because the building is not ADA compliant. All children will experience being taught in closets, hallways, external buildings, and open classrooms that are not conducive to learning. 

How did we let the situation get this bad? How is this acceptable in Brookline? We must act now not only because it is the right thing for our schools but also because we cannot afford further inaction.

The impacts of the Pierce project may be uncomfortable at times and should not be understated. Demolition and construction will be a nuisance for pedestrians, commuters, and the neighborhood but they will be temporary. The long term costs borne by the community are not insignificant but will also be temporary. Ironically, the students and staff will likely have better accommodations in their interim classrooms before returning to a more appropriate school environment.  

I believe we have to rebuild the Pierce school because inaction and delay will only further erode the public’s opinion of the Brookline Public Schools and our community’s commitment to a world class education for all students. 

Checkout this video for a good overview of the current conditions at the Pierce School https://youtu.be/Vi0rABw0C_I