One of the key factors involved in determining the value of residential property is the quality of the schools in that community. It is a rare opportunity when residential property owners can positively affect that value by voting "yes" for the bond authorization to vastly improve the setting for learning in our New London schools.

Teachers, students and families are doing their part. Achievement scores are increasing and national recognition has been bestowed for the improving quality of learning.

Yet, fine learning cannot be served in a broken vessel. Things that need fixing in the high school and other facilities do not inspire accomplishment. That fact was established 64 years ago by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education.

In recognition of our inability as the state's geographically smallest urban center to raise property tax support, our legislative delegation was able to develop a state statute that enables New London to become Connecticut's first All-Magnet-Schools education district.