OMS Expansion

East Arlington needs its own middle school. Re-open the Gibbs school!

While much effort has already been expended on trying to solve Arlington's school enrollment challenges at all levels, thus far three things (at least!) have been missing: 1. Rigorous, professional studies that evaluate the proposals for feasibility, capital and operating costs, and time to completion; 2. A sense of urgency -- every day, week, and month that we fail to make progress is prolonging the problems for our students, teachers, and educational staff, while they worsen and get costlier; AND 3. Most importantly, a consideration of which of these solutions results in the highest quality educational outcome for our students -- this should be foremost in our minds. I do not think that the proposed expansion at Ottoson will prove to be the best solution, but let's find out: Move swiftly on doing the proper studies so we have the data we need to make an informed decision.

I believe the an addition to the current structure would be detrimental to the academic experience and social/emotional well-being of the students.

Agree that this plan is a disaster.

As a former middle school teacher, I am concerned about the lack of communal and green space for these high-energy students. Smaller is also better for middle schoolers.

As involved parents, we are aware that the Gibbs alternative is more expensive and will take longer to implement than expanding on to the Ottoson. Are we ready to agree to the increased costs? I am. It's for the kids.

Much more in favor of renovation of Gibbs gym

Making Ottoson larger is a DISASTER.

Bigger in this case is not better. Let's help our students and excellent teachers get back to a more reasonable environment.

For all the reasons listed on this petition, Arlington needs two middle schools, Ottoson and Gibbs. Our children deserve an adequately sized cafeteria, media center, green space, and gymnasium. Our adolescent children need to be treated like valued humans, not packed sardines in the largest middle school in the state.

I'm all for exploring creative solutions to Arlington's enrollment growth problem, but making Ottoson even bigger should be a nonstarter.

Please Don't waste our money on Modular Classrooms.

The school is over crowded, old and dirty looking and the children and taxpayers deserve much better. Shame on The Town of Arlington!!

I think that more creative measures can be taken to reduce the size of the middle school, including changing elementary schools to k-6, using the Gibbs as a new elementary school, and redistricting / modulars to try to keep the elementary school populations reasonable. I would rather see slightly larger elementary schools than a mammoth middle school.

I don't feel that adding onto the Ottoson is the best solution. I agree that utilizing the Gibbs is a much better idea.

Considering children are our greatest resource why would you choice this option? And this age group often struggles with enough social issues putting so many in cramped quarters while the construction goes on not good ! As a taxpayer I do not agree go back to the drawing board do better for these children..

There are a number of options being considered by the town to address the enrollment issues. This plan, as currently defined, is the worst one. In addition to the reasons cited here, I have a real concern about safety in an emergency situation. This past fall (Sept. 30, 2015), there was a fire alarm after dismissal. Fire and Police officials were unable to access the building due to the congestion at dismissal/pickup time. Thankfully it was not an actual emergency - but how much worse will the congestion be with another 275 students in the building? The principal sent an email requesting that nobody pickup or drop off at the front of the building as a way to mitigate this risk. As an OMS parent who drops my child at school, I'm not sure this request is exactly being followed. Even if it were, how's that going to work, exactly, during 24-36 months of construction tying up the streets on the lower section of the school if this plan moves forward? This plan is not the answer.

Reopen the Gibbs

Adding to the current congestion at OMS without addressing current facility issues seems short sighted at best. Alternative plans should be studied and debated.

Evidence that there are no existing resources (e.g. - Gibbs) within Arlington that could be repurposed to serve the common good of our middle school children, and the other citizens of Arlington, should be rigorously vetted and excluded before venturing on a civic construction project.