Please leave the turf question on the ballot. It is the only chance that “we the people” have to express our opinions and to make it clear that the priority is to plan for, design and undertake a facility that truly serves the Island and the kids who will attend the regional high school now and in the long term future. That means every facet of the facility, but most of all it means the bricks and mortar building in which they are taught. It has to be safe and secure and accommodate many and all parts of a well-rounded education.

We know that the school itself is outdated and “worn out.” It has been for years and the patching up has been Rube Goldberg at best and a waste of time and money at worst.

We need to do the right thing and make sure that the school committee orders the priorities in the way that works best for the students and the teachers. Now is our only chance to speak up for what is really important.

Sports have their place, of course, but they should be complementary and integrated into a whole broad-based educational program rather than a dominant (and domineering) feature.

Virginia C Jones

West Tisbury