Residents of Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge are preparing to vote on November 4 regarding funding for a new high school to replace the aging **Monument Mountain High School**. The proposed project has drawn attention not just for its potential aesthetic benefits but also for significant health and safety concerns associated with the current facility.
Emily Newman Stanton, a local veterinarian and parent, has expressed her apprehension about the existing school building, which was constructed in the mid-1960s. Since then, it has undergone only minor repairs, failing to meet modern educational standards or safety requirements. Stanton emphasizes that the school’s classrooms are dark and uninspiring, with infrastructure that is deteriorating. She highlights that this aging structure poses serious health risks due to the presence of toxic materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that were commonly used during its construction.
Stanton argues that while the aesthetic appeal of a new building is important, the primary concern is the health and safety of students. “A new school is not just about luxury; it’s about removing the invisible health risks that come with mid-century construction,” she states. The 60-year-old building not only fails to provide a conducive learning environment but also raises pressing safety issues.
The design of **Monument Mountain High School** predates the current understanding of school safety, particularly in light of recent violence in educational settings. Stanton points out that the layout and entry points of the building do not allow for secure access or rapid lockdown capabilities that have become essential in today’s schools. Last year, the school experienced multiple lockdowns due to threats, which, while ultimately unfounded, caused significant distress among students and parents alike.
Stanton believes that children should not have to practice active shooter drills in a facility that was never designed with such realities in mind. “As a parent, I trust that my community will do the same for our children,” she adds, emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive environment for education.
The proposed new school comes with financial backing from the state, which has pledged nearly **$60 million** for the project. This funding represents a significant opportunity for the community to invest in the future of its children. Stanton stresses that failing to act now could result in losing this funding and leaving future generations in an outdated and unsafe learning environment.
As the vote approaches, the community’s focus remains on the importance of prioritizing safety and health over comfort. Stanton’s call to action reflects a broader sentiment among parents and educators who advocate for a school facility that aligns with contemporary educational needs and safety protocols. The decision on November 4 will determine whether the community takes the necessary steps to ensure that its students have access to a safe and modern learning environment.
