I would like to highlight the favorable comments on the Auburn elementary school by the Sun Journal “Our View” editorial (Sept. 2) as well a recent front-page story by Kathryn Skelton.

Auburn needs a new school. Lake Street Elementary is a relic. It’s too small and too old. The Department of Education states that the site is ideal and it is the right place to put this school. The cost of the new school is not out of line. The next one planned for Dexter could be more than this one, according to the DOE. This school will be expensive as construction costs are going through the roof. Building for building, the DOE tries to take a uniform approach across the state. Everyone gets comparable classroom sizes, security systems and technology.

The Board of Education gave project approval this summer. The state agreed to pick up 84 percent of the cost. The state’s majority share does come out of our pockets since it is spread across Maine. The state’s share of funding for Farwell, the new school in Dexter, Sabattus, Lisbon, Poland and Litchfield are also coming out of our pockets. We are fortunate to receive state approval for this project and Auburn’s share will be a sound investment in our community.

John Goodwin, Lake Street School building committee, Auburn

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