Resident says he moved for the schools

To the Editor:

I feel compelled to write this article regarding the upcoming school override vote and the negative impact that the reinstatement of user fees would have on all our children and the quality of life in our two towns. My family and I moved to our beautiful town of Westminster nine years ago because of my career change. Before deciding on Westminster my wife and I sought advice from our friend, the former superintendent of schools in Auburn, Massachusetts. We asked her to recommend a town in the North Central Massachusetts area that offered quality family living and a highly rated school system. After thorough research she encouraged us to settle in the town of Westminster and to enroll our children in the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School System. Heeding her advice, we purchased land and built the home we currently reside in. Our family knew instantly that we had made the right decision. We met wonderful friends and our children were receiving a quality education. In addition our family became involved in many community and school events. Immediately it was evident to us the passion and spirit that the towns of Ashburnham and Westminster displayed.

However in 2003 something unexpected occurred when a failed school override vote resulted in the highest user fees in the nation. Subsequently the negative impact was felt and attendance dropped drastically in school sports and extra curricular student activities. Additionally fan support and community spirit waned and our once proud towns and school system became unfortunate national headline news. As a result my wife and I questioned whether we had made the right decision in choosing this area to live and educate our children.

Eventually user fees were removed and the slow healing process began. Attendance increased dramatically in school activities and community spirit flourished. Anyone that has attended a school activity in the last couple of years since the dismissal of user fees can attest to the fact that area support and involvement has increased incredibly and our once proud student programs are proud again. One doesn't have to look any farther than the tremendous results and awards our children have achieved the last couple of years in the classroom, on stage, or on the playing fields. After all it should always be about the children. Remember, we had our time, and now they deserve theirs.

To paraphrase a famous quote: "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind" of house you owned or the taxes you've paid. "All that will matter is that you made a difference in the life of a child."

Please vote and make a difference in the life of a child on August 14.

Michael Denzer

Westminster