I have been a resident of East Lyme for over 55 years. My family has attended all the schools in East Lyme.

One school built on the LB Haynes School site makes practical use of the land. Building one new 2-3 story building would fit the needs of the town for years.

Use of new technology in teaching and building construction, an improved traffic pattern with the middle school, security enhanced, reduced maintenance, and administrative staffing reduced, and teaching levels maintained, according to attendance levels.

For those with sentimental attachments to schools, I suggest a Niantic Hall, Flanders Wing, LB Haynes Library, or a small museum of past life in East Lyme. Traffic and parking at the present 80-year-old Niantic Center School is terrible. This holds true for Flanders School as well. One entrance by the Flanders Fire House is traffic prone.

I have been a part of various commissions and organizations in East Lyme, all for the betterment of East Lyme.

It's time people start thinking on a town level, and not just the bailiwicks we live in. I will vote no on the proposed plans for Flanders and Niantic Center Schools. Build the one and only East Lyme Elementary School. It's time for people to truly look ahead.