20 acres would serve more than just Charter

To the editor:

In responding to the parent who is asking the school board to replace old carpeting at Finger Lake Elementary, there needs to be a correction to part of her statement. She incorrectly stated that the school board should re-consider purchasing the 20 acres of land to assist Academy Charter to improve the parking. It is much more than that.

Academy Charter has survived using worn-out portables for the last 12 years. The added acres are not only for parking, but will offer a permanent space for all of K-8 classrooms, and make stage productions possible (due to city of Palmer regulations).

Parents and teachers over the years at Academy Charter have volunteered endless hours of maintenance

and do-it-yourself improvements without borough monies. I know this because my husband has been one of the parents

who have lent a repairing hand to ongoing fix-it projects. We have both volunteered and we both work full-time.

Academy Charter is run by as many volunteers as teachers and staff. Volunteering hours are a requirement for our children to be able to attend.

Options to raise money have been exhausted for Academy Charter. In addition, the acquired acres are adjacent to the District Administration Building and neighboring soccer fields. This acquired land by the school district could be utilized for the entire district and not just Charter.

If there are real health concerns about carpeting, then make a formal health complaint.

Contessa Shade Gossett

Palmer