Cape Elizabeth: town of failing schools! Wait! That statement isn’t true. So, why is there a $116 million bond referendum, with anticipated property tax increases at 27 percent, on the November ballot to build new schools?

The arguments for this proposed economic boondoggle range from “classrooms are cramped” to my favorite: “Families will leave the town unless we have new schools!” Then there is the perennial: “Our enrollment is increasing.” Red herrings are swimming everywhere.

• Fact: According to the New England School Development Council, in 2004, Cape schools enrolled 1,708 students. In 2022, enrollment is 1,501.

• Projected enrollment in 2029 is 1,581. We call that “flat enrollment” in educational circles.

• Spending over $100 million for an 80-student increase is appalling and irresponsible.

I’m voting “no” on the proposal because the town doesn’t need new schools and countless households will never be able to pay out this exorbitant tax increase.

Rich West, Ph.D.
Cape Elizabeth