To the editor:

We are grateful to the residents of Portsmouth who have taken the time to learn about the school facilities bond referendum voters will consider on Tuesday, Nov. 2. 

Question 1 asks residents to support investment in all four public school buildings to protect the health and safety of our students and staff. We have proposed investments totaling $21.44 million for critical projects such as indoor air quality, accessibility, bathroom renovations, asbestos removal, roof replacement, and traffic and pedestrian safety. 

If the bond referendum is successful, we will seize a brief and rare opportunity to receive 40 percent reimbursement from the state specifically for school facility improvements — reducing Portsmouth’s share of the costs by about $8.6 million.  

I extend my personal thanks to the District Building Committee, our partners in town government, and others who have worked tirelessly to design a fiscally responsible plan that provides our students, families, and staff with the safe, healthy learning environments they deserve. 

Please vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2 to let your voice be heard in this important decision about the future of Portsmouth. For more information, please visit www.portsmouthschoolsri.org.

Thomas W. Kenworthy, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Portsmouth School Department