Group Saying "Yes" to BHS Formed

Supporters of the Berlin High School renovation project have come together and organized to support the passage of the March 15th referendum. On Thursday, Feb. 3, a group of residents registered with the Town Clerk as “YES for BHS,” in support of approving the referendum question concerning the “renovate as new” proposal for Berlin High School (BHS). The application listed two group organizers, Donna Morelli and Mary Ellen Maloney.

According to Morelli, “for us this is not a political issue. We’re just a group of residents who want to see our community finally address the problems with the high school.”

Morelli said she was pleased to be joined by Maloney, a parent and a local realtor. “My experience as a realtor has made me acutely aware of the importance of quality school facilities,” said Maloney. “Not just for the students, but for home values and the general perception of our community.”

Although the group is aware of specific concerns raised because of the “warning” status by the NEASC accreditation process and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) violations, it points to other concerns as well. YES for BHS stressed that the high school issue is much larger and more urgent than many people realize. Maloney said, “I was recently in a classroom at the High School with a dozen barrels catching water, walking around debris after the ceiling collapsed. Are school needs to be repaired now, and yet the ‘cheaper’ option pushed by referendum opponents won’t even repair the roof.”

 YES for BHS is committed to providing accurate information to residents and encouraging participation in the March 15 referendum. Morelli added, “We are aware this is a significant project and individuals are concerned about the project’s cost. So are we. But the cost of doing nothing, or pursuing a partial solution, will cost our community more in the long run.”

For those interested in working with YES for BHS, they are encouraged to contact Donna Morelli or Mary Ellen Maloney.