I have lived, worked and raised my family in Camden for over 20 years now and over that time I have observed large scale municipal projects that were managed in ways that concern me. I have read the material produced by the Middle School Visioning Committee about the proposed new Middle School on Knowlton Street in Camden and got a better idea on the scope of this project. I have also toured the Middle School including the portions that were the most cause for concern and the lower portions of the Mary E. Taylor School.

What troubles me most about this proposed Middle School project is the demolition of the Mary E. Taylor School (MET) and the tremendous amount of waste associated with the project. The School Board voted to demolish the building so that the new school could be better configured on the grounds and the Visioning Committee has stated that they will work in some salvaged portions of MET if practical. I am also concerned that most voters may be unaware they are voting to demolish MET because it is not clearly stated on the ballot article. The article has one line that states: Demolition of the existing middle school facility. This demolition includes MET but is not mentioned by name.

The Mary Taylor School was constructed in 1925 and, as mentioned by the 1926 Camden Herald, a handsome building as a model in every respect. Some of the teachers who began the legacy of this building include Mary E. Taylor, Rideout, Frye, Gould, Arey, Littlefield along with many others. The price of the original construction was approximately $65,000 which included a ventilation system that would cycle the foul air out of the building 8 times per hour. 

The history around the decision to demolish MET is somewhat confusing to follow. If you read the School Board packet from January 2017, the School Board voted in December to "pursue a design for the CRMS project that does not include the MET building but, if practicable, incorporates salvaged components of the building in the design." This was based on a recommendation from the Superintendent. The recommendation included the assertion that "A vast majority of the community does not favor restoring the building given its cost." That 2016 recommendation by the Superintendent is at odds with a 2014 report produced by Oak Point, which was working closely with administration. The report states "While not on the National Historic Register, the original MET portion of the building holds significant importance with the community, who has expressed desire to maintain this portion of the building on the site." This statement was based on multiple public hearings Oak Point held, where a big take away for them was that the "MET building is important to community and neighbors" and "MET building the focal point of the school".          

I would also like to note how difficult it is for a common citizen to piece all of this together. I have only recently found out about the demolition of the MET building from the Middle Matters Facebook page because of the renderings of the new facility.  The minutes from the December 2016 meeting are not available, but instead you have to shift through 59 pages of the School Board Member packet for January 2017. Link here: http://www.fivetowns.net//content/011817%20MSAD%2028%20Board%20Agenda%20Packet.pdf.

Historical does mean old but it also means that it is woven into the fabric of our community and is a tribute to those who built the local infrastructure. The town’s people of 1925 decided to invest for the long term future of their citizens. That said the building is actually in very good shape. I am confident in saying that for a few reasons. The Oak Point report of 2014 says the following things about the MET building: "existing roof is structurally adequate", "the roofing is a flat membrane roof that appears to be in fair condition", "exterior facade of the building is brick veneer which appears to be in fair condition", "exposed concrete foundation surface appears to be in fair condition", "Exterior windows appear to be in fair condition and are aluminum", "stone entablature and columns are in fair condition". I have also worked in construction and electrical work for 20 years and was given an extensive tour of the school. In my opinion, I believe that most of the middle school is worth restoring/ modernizing with the exception of the freshman wing. By removing this wing, we can address many of the safety concerns with buses and parking as well as drainage for the fields. 

Please join me in voting NO on June 13 to not grant authorization to demolish the existing middle school facility.

Jestin Merchant lives in Camden