South Portland residents heading to the polls next week will
have many major choices to cast their votes for, among them whether to
support the $56 million bond to rebuild the area’s high school.

In the weeks leading up to Nov. 6, advocacy groups have formed both for
and against the measure – created by those who believe the changes are
necessary and those that feel the hike on their tax bill is simply too
great to support. Supporters and school officials have offered tours
and several presentations regarding the building they say is not only
filled to capacity, but has poor air quality and does not meet current
safety or ADA requirements.

But one key point has continued to be muddled throughout the recent
discussions and debates – that the quality of education will improve
with the building improvements.

Voters should not be mistaken or confused that higher grades, greater
SAT scores or more kids heading off to college will come as a result of
the school’s makeover. Education is the direct result of a solid
teaching staff, involved parents, constantly updated and relevant
books, learning materials and technologies, as well as wide-ranging
extracurricular activities to balance the school day.

And while the new project promises library and music facility access on
nights and weekends to students – as well as the community as a whole –
there should not be any misunderstanding when faced with the bond
question next Tuesday.

Supporting improvements to the building is simply that, it will provide
children with a great learning environment – but it will not change the
quality of the education our youth receive.

That is a different issue altogether.