IS IT ALL ABOUT THE ANNEX?

Over the last 6 years, the Amherst School Board (ASB) and the Joint Facilities Advisory Committee (JFAC) have been making a case to build one of the largest elementary school buildings in New Hampshire.  One of the arguments is that the current Wilkins School building is too crowded.  The decisions that have created this apparent overcrowding should be examined, such that it does not happen again.  But when it comes to needing space, most community members look to the Souhegan annex, knowing the Souhegan High School enrollments continue to decline.  So, a fair question is, “What about the annex?”

It has been revealed recently, that in May 2020, JFAC decided to “…take the annex off the table…” for the use of 7th and 8th grades.  Despite the admonishment and plea of a committee member to consider all options, especially the annex, the committee chairperson plowed ahead to “take the annex off the table.”

Regarding the “annex,” there has never been a formal study or evaluation.  Just opinions and excuses not to consider.  Some have decided the annex belongs to Souhegan.  Again, to be clear, all school buildings are assets of the community to be used for the purposes of providing public education.  We elect school boards to govern the school districts.  We want to and should trust school boards to make honest and reasonable decisions as to the best possible educational outcomes.

Instead, ASB, JFAC, and their surrogates have mounted a campaign to flood social media with misrepresentations of the facts and hyperbole about the annex.  At the mention of the word “annex,” they seem to go berserk. Some have resorted to bullying tactics as well as disenfranchisement.  Some have resorted to personal attacks and cheap shots.  Is there something about the annex that they do not what the voters to know?  Again, where is the complete and formal study?

There is a belief, of some, that if some taxpayers do not have children in the school district, then they should not care.  Yet, all taxpayers are responsible for the decisions of the few voters.  To be clear, all taxpayers should be voters.  Please do not let anyone discredit your opinion or vote.  Is it reasonable to vote for an initiative that has not been fully vetted?  Again, where is the complete and formal study?

Now, there is an attack on an incumbent Souhegan Cooperative School Board (SCSB) member for suggesting that the “annex” and grade realignment should be considered.  This SCSB member is an incumbent and was running uncontested, but now the surrogates of a new elementary building are annoyed, and are mounting a write-in campaign of their candidate, who is a supporter of the new elementary school building for the Amherst School District (ASD).  Why? Because there is a desire to plow ahead and build, irrespective to the fact that there is no complete and formal study.  Seriously?

Is this election all about the “annex?”  Should the approximately 75% of all residents who DO NOT have children in any of the Amherst Schools, and who do not agree with this “BIG ASK” continue to be bullied or disenfranchised?  Again, the decisions of the voters will have an impact on all taxpayers.  Remember, those who show up to vote get to decide.  On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, please go to the Souhegan High School gymnasium between 6:00AM and 8:00PM and exercise your right to vote.  And please bring a friend!