A call for action regarding the aging infrastructure of Monument Mountain High School has surfaced from local resident and veterinarian Emily Newman Stanton. She emphasizes that the proposed replacement of the school, built in the mid-1960s, is primarily about ensuring the health and safety of students, rather than merely enhancing aesthetics.
Stanton highlights the significant shortcomings of the current facility, which has not undergone any major renovations since its construction. Instead, it has only received minor repairs, resulting in a learning environment that does not meet modern educational standards. The classrooms are described as dark and uninspiring, and the overall infrastructure is deteriorating. More alarming are the potential health risks associated with the building materials used in its construction.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
According to Stanton, sending children into a structure that is over sixty years old raises serious safety concerns. The building was constructed during a time when materials containing asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs were commonplace. These substances are known to be toxic and pose significant health risks, making the current facility fundamentally unhealthy.
Stanton argues that replacing the school is not simply a matter of comfort but is crucial for removing these invisible health hazards. She notes that modern safety standards in educational settings have evolved significantly, particularly in light of increasing concerns about school violence. The design of Monument Mountain High School does not allow for secure access or effective lockdown protocols, which are now considered essential.
Last year, the school experienced multiple lockdowns due to threats, none of which resulted in actual danger, but the incidents were distressing for students and parents alike. Stanton points out that children are practicing active shooter drills in a building that was not designed for such circumstances, which raises profound concerns about their safety.
A Community Decision on November 4
Stanton urges the community to recognize the importance of this issue, stating that replacing Monument Mountain High School reflects a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of future generations. She underscores that the upcoming vote on November 4, 2023, where residents of Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge will decide on funding for a new high school, presents a critical opportunity.
The state has committed nearly $60 million toward this project, representing a once-in-a-generation chance to build a safer and healthier learning environment for children. Stanton warns that failing to act could result in the loss of this funding, forcing students to remain in an outdated and unsafe building for another decade.
As a parent and a health professional, Stanton’s appeal resonates with many in the community who prioritize the health and safety of their children. The decision made on November 4 will have lasting implications for the educational landscape and the wellbeing of students in the region.
