SOS is a Municipal Ballot Committee.  What is this you ask?  Our primary function is public relations.  We need to inform the residents of Rockland about the condition of the John Roger’s Middle School and the High School and the plans to rectify these problems. 

The short version of our concerns is that we need a new Middle School, and the High School is in danger of losing its accreditation without much needed renovations.  The middle school is just too small; its capacity is about 375 students; it now houses well over 600 students.  The age and condition of the building is a huge concern. The maintenance department has been doing an admirable job keeping the building safe and clean for our children but the time has come for the town to realize that no amount of maintenance can keep this school up and running as it should be. 

The High School is in danger of losing its accreditation based solely on the facility.  There are no issues with the curriculum.  The building itself needs upgrades to the heating system and windows.  The science labs and locker room facilities need to be upgraded to meet the current state standards. 

The Rockland School Building Committee (RSBC) has revised an earlier plan for a new middle school to include the renovations to the high school.  This is it in a nutshell if you have further questions the RSBC has asked that any and all questions in regards to the needs of the Middle School and High School be directed to the principals of these schools.  The Middle School principal is Paul Stanish, (781) 878-4347 and the High School principal is Steve Sangster, (781) 871-0541.

Hopefully the state will give approval to the RSBC’s plan.  Once this happens we need to be seen and heard all over town.  At this time our job will be to inform the town what the bottom line will be if Rockland passes a debt exclusion to finance the project.  The basic difference between an override and a debt exclusion is that an override is added to your taxes forever and a debt exclusion only lasts until the debt is paid.  We will have concrete figures once the state determines how much they will cover.  It will cost you money to see this project through but in the long run the benefits to our town and children are immeasurable.  We can not continue to turn our backs to the needs of our children and town.

The SOS stands firmly behind the RSBC’s plans.  These new and improved schools will help everyone in town.  Our property values will increase; we will once again attract new residents and hopefully new businesses to Rockland .