I attended Camden-Rockport Middle School for all four years of middle school (I’m currently a junior at Camden Hills Regional High School) and I’m still extremely grateful for all of the teachers who helped prepare and equip me with the knowledge and skills for the future. Being a former student at CRMS, I think it’s accurate to say that I know the building well. I remember (on multiple occasions) attempts made by the janitorial staff and other faculty to fix or “patch up” parts of the school which, at the time, needed major renovations. I can only imagine that some previous problems have now escalated. Some examples include water leaks from the roof, minor flooding, and occasional electrical problems with the elevator.

To keep renovating or patching up parts of the school isn’t a long-term solution, or a short-term solution for that matter: it's fiscally irresponsible. In addition, renovating will also cost more money and, like I said, it’ll have no long-term educational benefit for the students and faculty. In my opinion, spending more money on an already old, insufficient building does not make sense. CRMS has a student capacity of 400, and it’s critical that those students’ educational needs are met, but also that they can learn in a structurally problem-free environment.

Some residents are arguing that we should wait another year or two until parts of the Comprehensive Plan are thoroughly discussed and taken in account for. It is my opinion that we have waited long enough, and the time to build a new middle school is now. Currently, the interest rates are low, which is beneficial towards taxpayers. In addition, the price taxpayers would have to pay is not astronomical, in fact, it is reasonable.

A new middle school will be more fuel-efficient, have safe fire and emergency exits, and will not have outdated electrical and heating equipment and water issues. I acknowledge the importance and history of the current middle school, specifically the M.E.T. building, but what I value more is ensuring that everyone who attends and works at a new middle school can do so in a safe environment which offers up-to-date educational benefits.

While I won’t be able to vote on June 13 (because I’m not old enough), I hope you will vote YES!

Jackson Chadwick lives in Camden