Time is right to approve GMS building project

By Guest

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of the Galvin Middle School project. Fiscal responsibility is a key driver of why this project needs to move forward now. Every year the Massachusetts School Building Association (MSBA) selects districts to be part of a cost reimbursement program. Canton Public Schools applied for this program and was rejected three times before finally being accepted — acceptance being in large part due to the Galvin building failures, which resulted in missed school. We were able to demonstrate that the building itself is a hindrance to the education of Canton students.

Make no mistake, the Galvin cannot continue housing Canton students indefinitely. Knowing we need to move forward one way or the other, doing so without the MSBA means the cost would entirely fall to Canton residents — leading us to a scenario where Canton pays more for less.

I first became involved in this effort during an Educational Visioning Committee launched by the district in 2017 (approved at town meeting in 2016). At the time, I was a member of the town’s Finance Committee and a parent of two elementary-age children. I ultimately became a School Committee member and served two terms while my kids have continued as students in the Canton school district. I have firsthand knowledge of the middle school project from many perspectives; I strongly believe that Canton is a place where children can continue to thrive if we provide the teachers and staff with a suitable environment.

While my children will be too old once the new school is built, I recognize that the new building is a net benefit to the entire community, not just a boost for the students who will directly attend. It took us four tries to get through the MSBA process; let’s not squander this opportunity to save money and make good on our promises to Canton’s future.

Nichola Gallagher

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