When we moved to Ayer 11 years ago, we found a hidden gem. Sandy Pond, the bike path and numerous hiking trails and a quaint downtown brought us here; a strong community spirit and quality of life keeps us here.

As parents of two elementary schoolchildren in the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District, we support the School Building Committee's proposal to renovate the high school. Building the future of Shirley and Ayer is the right thing to do and now is the time to do it. The high-school building is 50 years old and is at risk of losing accreditation without this renovation.

This is our one chance to have the state -- through the Massachusetts School Building Authority -- pay for more than two thirds of the cost of the renovation. If the vote in November doesn't pass, the cost to make only the necessary and most minimal repairs to the building will exceed the cost of the proposed MSBA renovation project by more than $12 million. As parents and citizens of Ayer, we encourage all residents of Ayer and Shirley to get informed about the high-school renovation project, consider all the facts, and, most importantly, cast your vote this November.

MICHELLE AND CHRISTOPHER ST. JOHN, Ayer

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