To the editor:

Re: The possible closing of Ryan Road School, the mayor says everything is on the table.

I have heard no compelling reasons why such an irreversible choice as closing a city school is being entertained. True, the city, like the rest of the country, is in dire financial straits. But closing a vibrant, community-oriented school is neither educationally sound, nor does it serve the greater good of Northampton.

By all accounts, in just a few short years Principal Margie Riddle, her staff, and the Ryan Road families have turned around a school that earlier lacked clear leadership and cohesion. Parent and community remarks during public comment of the March 12 School Committee meeting portrayed a place where true inclusion of children with special needs is occurring, the achievement gap is being addressed through building academic and social skills, and families of all backgrounds actively participate. The school and the numerous activities held there have become a hub for the community. During such challenging times as these, it makes sense to build up such a community, not tear it apart.

The numbers sited, re: possible savings of closing a school, don't add up when one looks at the costs of maintaining an empty building, accommodating students elsewhere, paying unemployment compensation, maintaining capacity for future educational needs, etc.

What does add up is all the other ideas I've heard school and city workers and community members put forth. Let's put all these ideas on the table. I urge every citizen to call their City Councilors and School Committee members to let them know that in tough times, it's by pulling together with all our ideas that we'll get through.

Hélène J. Powers

Florence