It’s so important to understand what withdrawal would mean to Freeport residents. I support keeping RSU 5 together and I urge you to vote no. Here’s why:

With the increased number of students in the past five years, the number of classes offered, and therefore the number of choices for students, has increased substantially.

Energetic, knowledgeable teachers have been added to the existing faculty; with a yes vote, these same teachers will be cut since the student population will decrease.

The number of student athletes has increased remarkably, thereby boostering our sports programs; the football program would certainly struggle to stay active should the withdrawal go through.

If the withdrawal happens, many families from Durham and Pownal may not attend FHS since they will have so many more choices and will not feel welcome at FHS. This will greatly alter the number of students attending and will have a negative affect on taxes for the residents of Freeport.

The growth of the high school community with the Pownal and Durham students has had a very positive impact on the school as a whole.

If the withdrawal happens, with a decreased student population and therefore the direct increase in taxes, will Freeport residents vote yes to renovate the high school or any of the Freeport schools (including Morse Street School) because of the substantial tax increase?

With the most recent building proposal should the withdrawal pass, the renovation would cost at the low end $6.5 million but likely closer to $9 million.

The cost to Freeport residents with the renovation should the RSU continue would be approximately $9 million, so the overall tax implication would be similar to residents either way.

I think the priority should be about how best to educate the children with the most cost-effective approach, not just to gain local control. Keeping the RSU will keep taxes at a minimum for Freeport residents. Please vote no for withdrawal.

Mary Martin

Freeport