Marnie Rubin BOE communication (2)

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: ​Marnie Rubin​ <​marnie.rubin@gmail.com​>
Date: Wed, Apr 29, 2020, 2:45 PM
Subject: Budget / Alternative Education
To: <​jburt@colchesterct.org​>



Superintendent

Dear Sir or Madam:

This was a letter I intended to write after my daughter’s graduation in six weeks. But given what
I am hearing regarding the possible move of the Alternative Education program back to the
Bacon Academy building I feel the timing is now.

[Personal content removed]

I understand that you are considering moving the Alternative Education program back to the new
Bacon Academy building for budget reasons. I cannot express enough what a detriment to these
students that would be. Although each student is there for different reasons, they all respond not
just positively but healthily the exclusivity of the current location. Away from the faster-paced
conveyor of regular high school there is a sense of respite and security. Students can speak with a
social worker at any time and are relived for appropriate expectations for schoolwork and pace.
It’s quiet and contemplative but at the same time friendly and humanized. This is not the
possibility in the regular system, without fault, the nature of the beast. Even if you found an area
within the regular school, the students are at the surrounded bells and cafeterias and chaos. It is
not quantifiable to most of us, I understand. But it is VERY real to these students affected.

So I am asking you, now, to promote the Alternative Education program to students. I have not
one concern you will fill the program to capacity if you do so, as in years past. This way it
remains cost effective off campus where it belongs.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,



Marnie Rubin