To the editor

Previously, I have written a letter to express my concern that we are in a rush to judgment, based on emotionally charged and irrational reasoning, concerning the proposed construction of a new school in Westport. As a result, I have a host of questions based on my listening, reading, and reflection.

I invite my fellow citizens to submit your questions as we consider this most important decision for our town.

Below is my first question:

Question #1: What demographics compel us to construct a new $100 million school?

“Demographics are the future that has already happened.” (Peter Drucker)

Here are some facts to consider:

• Westport population in 2016---14,905, a 4% decline from 15,516 in 2010.

• Growing less than ½% per year since 1992.

• An aging population: median age—46.3 years (as compared to 40 in Dartmouth, and 37 for the U.S. overall); age 50-85 and over---44%; age 60 and over---29.7%

• A low birth rate, mirroring America at large

• Total school population: down from 1823 in 1992 to 1,596 in 2012, to 1463 in 2017 — a 19.7% overall decline

• Total grade 6-8 population: down from 478 in 1992 to 408 in 2012, to 384 in 2017---also a 19.7% overall decline

• 2017 Grade 8 population: 123

• Total Grade 9-12 population (High School): down from 472 in 1992, to 422 in 2012, to 365 in 2017----a 22.7% overall decline

• Projected High School enrollment in 2024/2025 school year: 323 students (81 per class)

• Projected Grade 6-8 enrollment for 2024/2025 school year: 358 students (119 per class)

• Projected Grade 5 enrollment for 2024/2025 school year: 179 students (in one class)

• Total Design Enrollment Certification/Enrollment for Proposed New School, Grades 5-12: 860 students

If I presented you these facts and removed the words “school” and “students,” and “children,” would you immediately say to me, “We must build a new $100 million facility to meet this continually declining, and still projected to decline, demand?”

Or would you say, “Wait a minute, may we please talk about this matter further, ask other important questions, engage in frank and open conversation to investigate the need and other facts and alternatives, and after real digging and deliberation arrive at a well-considered decision?” I certainly hope so.

Bill Reed

Westport