Green School Advocates

'Green' School Advocates - (Consolidators)



To the Editor: Voices May 18, 2008



If you were fortunate to attend last week's presentation on Green Schools, sponsored by the Washington Environmental Council, you saw firsthand what is possible for a new "green" elementary school in Region 12.



The Willow School is a role model, and it can be a reality in Region 12. What will it take to make it happen?



First and foremost, the three towns in Region 12 have to get over their small-town mindset and do what is best for the elementary school kids and the environment.



The Willow School is built on 17 acres, of which one third is wetlands; these wetlands provide a natural habitat that adds to the learning experience for the
kids.



Instead of antiquated buildings stuck in the middle of town, kids and teachers learn in an environment which interacts daily with nature.



"Green" construction costs no more than conventional; buildings are designed to last 100 years, are virtually maintenance-free, with a 70% savings in fuel and other operating costs. Better for the environment, the kids, and the taxpayers, this is a win-win.



Instead, the Region 12 Building Committee is pursuing cheap renovation plans that offer no educational enhancements, no improvements to the learning environment and even higher operating costs.



In an attempt to keep construction costs as low as possible, they are all too willing to compromise the plans.



Shame on the Region 12 Board, the Region 12 Building Committee and the leadership of the three towns for not insisting on a new "green" elementary
school for the 21st century.



The 385 elementary school kids in Region 12 deserve better than what is being proposed.



Frank Adams
Washington CT