As a parent I am very concerned about the 6,000-square-foot reduction in the Guilford High School (GHS) athletic facility. In this age of major health concerns for children as well as adults (look at the obesity epidemic this country faces), I would think we would want as much space for exercise as possible.

At a recent Tuesday committee meeting, a teacher requested an additional 200 to 300 square feet to expand the music room. The next day this request was not only endorsed by the building committee and the Board of Education, but increased to 2,400 square feet and deemed a "necessity."

Anyone involved in the process would have to scratch his or her head at this. How could there be such a big difference in the adjustment of square footage at this late stage?

I'm a huge advocate of high school arts and understand the huge contribution they make to the lives of so many high schoolers, but I also understand the role that physical activity gives to all participants regardless of their athletic ability. It's great that the performing arts facilities have been expanded, but let's not shortchange the gym as a consequence. GHS needs a good, solid, functioning gym that is also safe and free from liability.

Above all, let's keep a policy of transparency throughout this whole process.

Greg Moore

Guilford