I would like to express my opinion regarding the facilities issue as it relates to use of portable classrooms at the various elementary schools. I am of the belief that consideration of re-opening the Salem School for elementary instruction should be given priority over your proposed use of the facility for administrative purposes.

I have spoken to educators who have conducted classes in portable structures, all of whom share the opinion that it is not a productive learning environment. Certainly, as a parent of elementary aged children currently within the Port school district, I would not want my child to be subjected to that environment. Additionally, what starts as a temporary solution tends to turn into a long-term one (Sousa as a case in point).

I have also heard from young families in the Salem neighborhood who would like to have their children attend a school within walking distance rather than busing them, as is the current state of things.

In closing, I sincerely hope you will give this opinion serious consideration and importantly, communicate the status of this issue by means additional to the school board meetings.