To the editor:
We recently listened to a presentation at the Peterborough Community Theatre concerning a fundraising project to build a new $4.5 million performing arts center at Conval High School. The project is called Fill The Void and was given Conval School Board approval for fundraising.
It is my understanding from the talk that the building will be built with private funds raised by this group then turned over to the school district to maintain; it is to be used for a variety of arts programs for the kids and community.
A wonderful effort and maybe it is much needed, but did anyone ask the taxpayers if they want to assume liability for $4.5 million in real estate?
What happens if there are overruns during the building process? Will the budget include furniture and equipment for this building? How much is annual upkeep for a $4.5 million building? Two or three maintenance people, extra staff for all the new activities, lights, heat and upkeep: $500,000?
In an atmosphere of declining enrollment and Antrim and Peterborough exploring options to pull out of the district, is it justified to add this great expense to an already contested budget?
I emailed Mr. Eichler, president of Fill The Void, and left a message for our school board representative Bernd Foecking, but did not receive a reply. I wonder why the taxpayers haven’t been asked.
Susan Moran
Dublin