As a student of SUNY New Paltz who intends to continue contributing to and living in this amazing community upon graduation, I applaud the board of the New Paltz Central School District on their efforts towards the green renovations. The current state of the middle school is literally a carbon footprint nightmare and renovations are definitely necessary. While I was unable to attend the meetings where the renovations were discussed, I do plan to attend the upcoming forums and have already reviewed literature regarding the renovations. I'm quite excited about the positive change that can come from this proposed project!
It's obvious that green is the necessary way to go. If money is being invested into our public school system, it is imperative that we use that money to transform the beautiful, perfectly located, existing building into a green model that other districts can look up to as we all progress towards a sustaining future.
The renovation plans outline such points as sustainable site development, responsible use of water, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Old infrastructure allows heat to escape, causing our tax dollars to literally be blown out the window. We want what's best for our kids. Current classrooms are much too small, the layout flawed to the point where certain spaces are not accessible and the cafeteria much too small to support our rising student population. The building is not ADA compliant, which in a fostering community like ours is disgraceful. I don't care about being grandfathered out of having to comply; we simply cannot leave special needs students behind. The youth of New Paltz are surrounded by an environmentally friendly and socially just community. Being educated in a green-minded renovated building that is accessible to all is quintessential to "practicing what we preach."
As a result of this project, operating costs of the school will immediately decrease in the 2012-2013 school year. With interest rates on loans as low as they are right now, the time to remove our school district from fossil fuel dependency has never been better. As we, the community, work together, we can transition the existing middle school in a fiscally sound matter. While this investment may result in additional initial expense, it's just that; an investment in our children and an investment in our home.
Maria Davila
New Paltz
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