Community Urged to Vote for New School: Safety at Stake

Community members in Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge are being called upon to consider the urgent need for a new high school facility. The proposed replacement of **Monument Mountain High School** has sparked discussions centered on safety and health rather than luxury or aesthetics.

As a parent and veterinarian, Emily Newman Stanton voiced her concerns in a recent letter to the editor. She highlights the critical state of the current school, which has not undergone major renovations since its establishment in the mid-1960s. Stanton points out that the aging infrastructure has not kept pace with modern educational standards, leaving classrooms dark and uninspiring.

The issue goes beyond mere aesthetics. Stanton emphasizes significant safety concerns associated with the school’s environment. The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs in the building raises alarms about the health risks these substances pose to students and staff. She argues that maintaining the current structure is not viable without substantial investment to meet modern safety standards.

“The facility is fundamentally unhealthy and cannot be brought up to modern standards without enormous investment,” Stanton states, arguing for the necessity of a new building that prioritizes the health and safety of its occupants.

In addition to environmental hazards, the design of Monument Mountain High School presents challenges related to security. Built at a time when awareness of school violence was minimal, the layout and entry points do not allow for effective lockdown procedures or controlled access. Stanton recalls that last year, the school experienced multiple lockdowns due to threats—none of which resulted in harm, but were nonetheless terrifying for students and parents alike.

Stanton’s dual perspective as a veterinarian and a parent underscores the community’s need to prioritize safety. “As a parent, I trust that my community will do the same for our children,” she remarked. The call for a new school is framed as a responsibility towards future generations.

On **November 4**, voters in the communities will decide whether to approve funding for a new high school. The state has committed nearly **$60 million** to the project, creating what Stanton describes as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to secure a safe and healthy learning environment for children.

Failure to act on this proposal could lead to lost funding and continued reliance on a facility that does not meet the needs of its students. Stanton concludes her letter with a strong appeal for community action: “We can do better. We must do better.”

As the vote approaches, the community faces a pivotal moment that could reshape the educational landscape and environment for its youth.