Letter to the Editor: Vote 'Yes' for the School Bond

To the Editor:

It’s a new year, and with it often comes new year’s resolutions. Many adults resolve to exercise more, be healthier, and really commit to it this time!

What about our kids? I hope they also want to exercise more, focus on healthier habits, and be motivated to continue it into adulthood. PE in school and youth athletics are critical, and we have some phenomenal PE teachers in our school district with engaging curriculum. However, the PE instructional spaces at Mamaroneck High School are nowhere near on par and haven’t been updated as far as anyone can remember. Locker rooms go unused because the lockers are rusted and won’t secure belongings. Plumbing and electrical are antiquated and ventilation is poor. Not where I imagine my kids getting hooked on life-long fitness. And not particularly safe either.

Our town prioritizes youth sports, which I think is a positive thing. We have improved fields, worked to expand field space, and schedule teams so as to maximize the number of kids who can play. However, when those young athletes grow up and want to compete at the high school level, we offer them a weight room with exposed pipes that leak. We have them leave their sports bags and equipment in the hallways, because nothing fits into existing (broken, rusty) lockers. There is no shower available (or even running water!) and no changing or meeting space for female athletic teams.

The plan that the district has proposed reconfigures unused space so that PE instruction can expand. Infrastructure is replaced so that our kids are safe and so is their gear. Health and wellness becomes the focus and the facilities will reflect how we feel about supporting our young athletes.

Please educate yourself on this issue--come tour the existing facilities yourself on Thursday, January 7th at 5pm and 7pm. And then vote YES to the bond vote on January 12 at your local elementary school.

Your kids will thank you.

Lisa Sommer
Larchmont