New school is necessary and wise investment for South River

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, I attended the Board of Education meeting describing the proposed new elementary school in South River. I came away from the meeting convinced that this school is not only absolutely necessary to ease the current overcrowding in the current school, but that it is also a sound economic investment for the taxpayers of South River.

I commend the superintendent and the Board of Education for their intelligence and effectiveness in using state funds to share in the costs of building this new school. With close to 43 percent of an approximately $12 million cost funded by the state, the typical South River taxpayer is going to see his or her property taxes increase an average of $93 per year. That is $7.75 a month or less than the cost of a couple of meals at McDonald’s.

For this relatively small investment, South River students will have a state-of-the-art facility that will be unparalleled in the county. The plans are architecturally spectacular, with the building beautifully integrated with the surrounding neighborhood. More importantly, the facility will address the needs of the students, from a cost-effective multipurpose gym and cafeteria to a state-of-the-art media center/library, while also providing students with laptops and the use of the latest wireless technology.

As many of us who live in South River realize, our home values increased substantially when we built the original elementary/middle school a few years ago. Of course, with a better facility, more people moved into South River than anticipated. This new facility is the next step in the process.

We have an overcrowding problem that we have to solve. With this proposal, the state is helping us pay for the half the cost. Given the state budget crisis, there is no guarantee this money will be available if we defeat the proposal. Frankly, the decision is a no-brainer. I urge everyone who can vote (whether or not you have a child in the education system) to vote yes for this initiative on March 11.

William S. England

South River