After talking with some Eddington and Cliften residents, I don't think the Veterans Memorial at the Holden School should be transferred to the Town of Holden. That site should stay within SAD63 - more specifically, it belongs to the students of SAD63 (and any RSU we may become).
Perhaps a little history is needed for the benefit of the members of the School Board, as well as the citizens of Clifton, Eddington and Holden. The Students of the Holbrook Middle School conducted spaghetti dinners, yard sales, and a variety of other fund-raisers to make that Memorial become a reality. The Students submitted a grant proposal to Walmart specifically for the purpose of creating the Memorial and Walmart answered that call. The Dedication Ceremony for the Memorial was planned and conducted by the Students. I clearly remember the television stations that covered that ceremony and how the stationed focused on the work the students had done to make the project become a reality.
There is no way that effort should be given away. The Memorial (and the land on which it stands) belongs to the students who made it happen. It is a tribute to them and their civic efforts. And it belongs to all the students who will follow in their wake.
The Town of Holden may claim it paid last year for the replacement of the flags that fly at the Memorial, but I'm told the replacement flags were smaller than the original flags and a private citizen replaced the "replacement" flags with others of the correct size. What I don't understand is why SAD63 didn't pay for any replacement flags needed. The 2007-2008 SAD63 Audit shows a private trust fund with over $4,000.00 for scholarships and other purposes. No money was expended from that account during 2007-2008. Perhaps that fund could be used for any flags needed at the Memorial.
Some may ask how the Memorial (and the land on which it stands) might be affected under any consolidation? Seems to this writer that When and If any SAD63 RSU Committee is ever appointed, the committee can specify the land on which the Memorial stands will always belong to the RSU and the Memorial shall be maintained by the RSU.
Bottom Line: The Veterans Memorial was the idea and created by the students of SAD63. It belongs to the students in perpetuity (forever) as a tribute to both the Veterans and the students that came from and will come from all three towns. It should not be transferred - because it belongs to the students. Should there be consolidation at some point, and students from outside our three towns attend (or visit) any of the current SAD63 schools, the example of the Holbrook students will stand as an example of civic responsibility and respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Liberty and Freedom.
The School Board should respect our students enough to not give away that example.
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