LETTER: Reader Urges Wilmington To Invest In Their Children’s Future, Supports A YES Vote

Dear Editor,

There are many differing opinions for a myriad of reasons regarding the school building project. Right, wrong and indifferent. To each their own and no bad blood.

In my personal experience I am a 45 year old who has spent a majority of my life living in; and/or being involved in the Wilmington community. Child, student, graduate, coach and now most importantly a parent.

I am a proud Wildwood School graduate. Grades K-5. I am also a parent of a child who was there for Kindergarten only. She was shut down in her first year of school in due to Covid. Biggest change to me other than a worldwide pandemic was my Elementary School was now a Prek-K to my children. Oh and I had to make sure she had a nice winter jacket for those cold days in an old building.

My daughter is going into a middle school now that I never went to but I am glad she’s in a better school. Scratch that she went to 4th and 5th grade in my middle school.

My other daughter went to Wildwood School at the Shawsheen, now to the Woburn Street for 1-3. My son went to Wildwood School at the West, now to Woburn Street for 1-3.

3 children, 4 years difference in age, same street yet 3 different kindergarten schools throughout town? Bounced around town. And somehow this new school idea is so absurd?

Blame the town for upkeep or repairs as many do. However I would have never expected myself or my children to go to school at the West, South, East and Center schools as their family did. I expect growth and our Town has given us that.

Times change and outgrow our expectations. Communities grow and outgrow our expectations. Populations grow and outgrow our expectations. No matter how we grow we should never outgrow our expectations for our children, grandchildren and our future. Times change. The question is can we change with the times or should we still all be stuck in the South and West one room buildings? Yes a Wilmington with one room schools, penny candy stores and gravel rides was an amazing past yet it is not my children’s and grandchildren’s future and I hope it’s not yours either.

PLEASE invest in the future of Wilmington’s children. They deserve it.

Sincerely,

Bobby Jones