Remember Manchester Memorial

To the Editor,

Not long ago, MMES building project was on the warrant at Town Meeting.  My son was in pre-K at the time, and friends with older kids reached out in an effort to rally the troops to VOTE YES for our schools!  Memorial was in such rough shape!  Pay attention!  Don’t be apathetic! 

We mobilized friends and neighbors in Manchester and Essex around a key message: We are in this together—first Memorial, then Essex Elementary.  We won’t forget!

And what a transformation!  My son started his kindergarten year in the old, dilapidated Memorial.  When he transitioned back into school after the pandemic, Memorial was a modern, safe, functional building.  It made a world of difference for our kids.  I am deeply grateful both towns voted YES.

Now we must finish what we started. 

The Essex Elementary project is essential so children no longer learn in spaces with leaky windows, roof issues, and stagnant basement water.  Doing nothing is no longer an option.  We should invest our dollars in a sustainable long-term solution for the next 50 years, rather than sink money into temporary fixes.

Let’s fulfill the vision for an exceptional school district made by regionalization years ago.  Let’s bring all the children in our district into safe, effective learning spaces.  Let’s finish the job together. 

Vote YES for MERSD!

Jill Kooyoomjian

Manchester