I’m grateful to learn that Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School had an insurance policy to cover the vast majority of the $6.7 million price to rebuild the horticulture building. [“$750K sought to rebuild after fire,” Gazette, Dec. 6]. I congratulate the trustees for the good judgment to ask the public for voluntary donations to provide the $750,000 to close the gap, rather than expecting all Northampton taxpayers to foot the bill.
I encourage the trustees to continue their public appeal and provide more information of what donations would help purchase. Not being familiar with vocational school building requirements, it seems like $6.7 million is a high price for 8,000 square feet. It would make me more willing to donate if there was access to a summary of what Smith Voc students and potential donors will have after the rebuilding project is completed.
The Gazette did a service to our community to write this story with Page A3 coverage. Vocational education is crucial to our local and state economy. I’m ready to donate — I’d like to know what the donation helps provide.
Tom Bassett
Florence