Editor:

I am an educator and firmly believe that effective public schools that provide our students with a great education and learning opportunities are vital to sustaining a high quality of life and the economic viability of our communities. So, it troubles me a bit to write a letter to the editor urging the residents of Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga counties to vote “NO” on the millage proposal put forth by the Copper Country Intermediate School District (ISD). I am doing so because I believe that the Copper Country ISD has not provided adequate justification for the hefty price tag associated with the three proposed projects.

For voters to make an informed decision about whether higher taxes are justified, it should be clear how many more students will be served by the proposed building renovations and expansions. In addition, what learning experiences will be provided to these students in the future that are not currently available, and what opportunities will these educational experiences create for students in the ISD?

I think that the ISD also needs to clearly explain why the existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) building on Quincy Street in Hancock, which already has an auto shop and other spaces that are uniquely designed to provide specialized education and training, would be converted into an early childhood education center. This means that an entirely new auto shop and other CTE educational facilities will have to be constructed at the Hecla Street location. Why not just make improvements to and expand the existing CTE facilities at Quincy Street?

I also have serious safety concerns about locating an early childhood education center on one of the very busiest intersections in Hancock. The playground will be adjacent to U.S. 41, and the entire center is across the street from a popular restaurant that creates additional traffic, especially at lunch time and in the late afternoon. I routinely need to drive past the current CTE building during the day, and more than once, I have had a high school (CTE) student emerge from behind a parked car or bus and dash in front of my car without looking. I shudder to think how dangerous it will be to have young children being picked up and dropped off in this same section of road. What measures will be adopted to protect young children, and how will this facility affect parking and traffic in the area?

On their web page (https://www.copperisd.org/page/millage) the ISD informs us that the proposed projects will expand, modernize, and centralize facilities, which will lead to greater opportunities that will boost economic growth and workforce readiness. While we all want great schools in our great communities, the information provided by the Copper Country ISD is simply too vague to convince me that the proposed projects are a sound investment and will have the desired impact on a substantial number of students in Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties.

Eric Seagren

Hancock