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My name is Jesse Reich, I'm Vice Chair of Ayer's Finance Committee and I'm running as a Democrat for State Representative for the 1st Middlesex District. My major concern is sustainable economic development and I aim to enable and promote job growth in our district. One crucial matter facing the town of Ayer (in the district) and Shirley (out of the district) is what to do about school regionalization at Town Meeting on March 6th. I am a major proponent of regionalization and I hope the following can persuade voters in town to support it as well.
The staggering numbers convinced me that regionalization is the right plan. The Ayer 5-year planning team within the Finance Committee together with the town accountant, and the cost estimates from the regionalization committee (created over a 3-year in-depth process) put together the following chart for Ayer. (see image)
While the actual cost of the project may vary slightly with how conservative budget numbers pan out the difference between the budget numbers should stay fairly firm. In this regard, Ayer will save an estimated $3.77M over four years. These are real dollars provided by shared debt costs with Shirley, increased transportation support from the state, and increased chapter 70 funding from the state. I understand there is an impact to town parents and students when the schools are combined and life patterns shift, but I really dislike the alternative. Right now our town is staring at a budget deficit
The good news is Boards have been doing their jobs in Ayer. Budgets are kept tight and trim. The town does not have excessive waste and the town is in strong financial spot compared to many other towns our size. The bad news is that there isn't a giant pot of money or an easy place to slice $1.5M (7% of the budget) from the budget. School programs, teachers, classroom aids, and administrators would be facing cuts along with policemen, firemen, town employees, and town health benefits. These employees provide valuable services, which help attract and maintain businesses in our community. We want to ensure growth and this can only happen if we have people in place to ensure our safety, well being, and education. Economic growth starts with providing infrastructure for growth and here's our chance to protect what we've already built.
I also think if we can maintain similar class sizes while increasing school size our schools will be able to offer more programs, but still feel like the same place. This is what the school committee and the regionalization committee are trying to accomplish. If we can keep class sizes small you'll still know your student's teacher's name. You'll still have relationships to turn to if your son or daughter needs help in a regionalized school. I fear if we don't regionalize, we can't support the same class sizes, we won't have the same staff on board, and we just won't have the same level of support because everyone at the school will be stretched so thin.
As for Shirley residents I believe you'll see cost savings too. Chapter 70 aid and transportation aid from the state along with a combined debt approach with Ayer will save Shirley money. The members of your finance committee believe this, and my take on the numbers is the same.
I believe regionalization is good for Ayer and Shirley residents. On March 6th I'll be voting for regionalization and I urge you to do the same.
