Bruce Jones: Support Article 6 in Meredith to finish school field lights

To The Daily Sun,

The Inter-Lakes School District built a beautiful synthetic turf athletic field several years ago. It is a major community asset. However, the project was left incomplete.

Without permanent lighting, the field cannot be fully used during the very months when students need it most. Fall practices grow dark. Spring seasons are compressed. Community programs are limited.

It is like purchasing a new school bus but stopping short of installing headlights. The bus works — until the sun goes down.

Article 6 proposes completing that original project by installing permanent LED field lights. This is a one-time capital improvement. For the average assessed home in the district, the cost is approximately $15, split between two tax bills.

The projected annual operating cost is similar to what the district already spends renting mobile diesel-powered construction lights for limited events. The difference is that permanent lights would allow significantly more instructional, practice, and community hours — without ongoing diesel rentals.

Lights benefit more than varsity football. They support middle school programs, soccer, lacrosse, track training, youth and adult flag football, and community walking.

On March 4, voters have the opportunity to complete an unfinished project and allow this asset to function fully.

Bruce Jones

Meredith