To the editor:

Our family moved to Bainbridge more than 35 years ago, with the quality of the schools being a major factor in our decision. Our son and daughter graduated more than 20 years ago, but we continue to support our schools. I am a regular volunteer, so I know Wilkes is a vibrant, happy school where our young people are thriving.

Now I understand there is a study about reducing the number of schools with two of the three proposals anticipating the addition of a large number of students at both Wilkes and Blakely.

Please don’t do this!

Our community has consistently supported quality education. Consolidating schools will mean overcrowding schools, and our young people deserve better.

Before rushing to judgment, please consider a few specific issues. Wilkes has a small campus – less than 10 acres – and the school and existing play areas fill it to capacity. Where is there room for expansion?

Wilkes is located in a rural area and is on a septic system. Runoff of storm water has adversely impacted neighbors. Both Madison and Day Roads are narrow and traffic safety is a concern, especially when overflow parking spills onto the street. The parking lot is an appropriate size for the current school, but usually it is almost full.

Many of the same issues apply to Blakely. All should be caution flags warning against any school configuration that adds students to the existing elementary schools. I strongly advocate keeping the current school structure.

ELEANOR WHEELER

Bainbridge Island