[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from Becca Dente.]
To the Editor:
I’m in the Southborough Facebook group. I attended the Special Town Meeting in its entirety. I’ve read the letters to the editor and follow-up comments with growing concern – not just about the issues that were raised, but about the condescending tone and divisive framing being used to address a serious topic that affects the entire Southborough community.
One such letter claims to be providing “context” and “facts” about our school facilities, but the real message comes through loud and clear: sit down, be grateful, and don’t expect more. Yes, Southborough has invested in school buildings over the past few decades – but citing a history of past investments doesn’t erase present realities. Facilities age. Educational needs evolve. And our students today are no less deserving of safe, modern, well-equipped learning environments than the students who benefited from those earlier projects.
The defensive reminders that we’re “still paying” for previous investments only underscores the lack of long-term planning. Suggesting that financial obligations from past projects should delay necessary improvements now is not only short-sighted, it’s unfair to the families and children who are left to deal with the consequences.
As someone with over two decades of experience in corporate operations and strategy, I agree that modernization and efficiency are important goals. But let’s be clear: the suggestion that simply automating clerical tasks and consolidating departments will meaningfully help to address Southborough’s fiscal challenges is wildly overstated. While operational improvements may yield some long-term savings, this is not a silver bullet – and certainly not one that comes without its own costs. Implementing modern systems, training staff, managing change, and ensuring continuity of services all require significant upfront investment, strategic planning, and buy-in across departments. It is not a small or simple undertaking. Treating municipal modernization as an easy fix not only underestimates the complexity involved – it distracts from the broader, more difficult budget conversations we need to be having.
In one comment on these letters, a resident goes further, framing parents of school-age children as a minority who must work to win over a larger voting bloc. The comment states that only about 600 residents “would directly benefit” from a facility, as though schools exist only for the direct, short-term use of parents and their children. That perspective fundamentally misunderstands the purpose of public education. Schools are not private amenities. They are cornerstones of a healthy, vibrant, and successful community. Everyone benefits from strong public schools, whether they currently have children enrolled or not.
Even more troubling is the warning that “dismissing, insulting, and denigrating” the broader community is a “singularly poor way to win their support.” Ironically, this entire approach does just that – talking down to families, minimizing their concerns, and reducing civic participation to a transactional numbers game. That’s not community-building. That’s condescension.
We don’t move forward by dividing residents into “Yes” and “No” camps. We move forward by recognizing that we’re all stakeholders – parents, retirees, students, public employees, and lifelong residents alike. Investment in education is not a favor to one group; it’s a shared responsibility and a reflection of our collective values. The reason why my family, and so many others, chose Southborough was that continued investment in our schools and our children.
Southborough deserves a more respectful, inclusive, and constructive conversation about the future of our schools and our town. Let’s elevate the dialogue – not dismiss the concerns of others under the guise of “context.”
Becka Dente
48 Oregon Road
PROUD SOUTH SIDE RESIDENT
Needless to say I share much of this sentiment. Thank you for this letter Becka.
Hi Becka,
I found your comment very thoughtful and passionate. But it does not apply to everyone who would like to pause on voting for a new school at this point in time. Maybe your comment should have been a reply to a specific person? (That’s a question.)
The prospect of receiving MSBA funds has been a major factor in this project. But why is that extra money so important? Southborough not only doesn’t need another school, we do not need the one proposed. Is that not understandable? Moderation, consideration of all the constituents, awareness of the economic context, and the reality of Southborough’s overall financial situation are what most of us are asking for.
Why can’t a reasonable school or solution be proposed? Last night I read something that was assigned to my son in his 12th grade English class and it was transformative. All it required was an astute teacher to assign it, and for someone to download a chapter in a book and read it. The emphasis on all the amenities of a new school seems ridiculous on some level and, quite frankly, shallow.
All many of us are asking is for a PAUSE so that Southborough can address some other important issues, like the ones discussed recently about the millions of dollars that will be needed because of water run-off changes by the EPA, and the need for more tax income from businesses.
I’m sorry that residents do not see the situation the way you and others do. But, let’s be clear: At the STM, a gentlemen stood up and asked, “Does the size of the house make a home?” I think that is what very many of us are trying to say.
And while several individuals have mentioned that teachers need better working conditions, have you heard one individual say that funds should NOT go to the teachers? That attention should NOT be paid to professional development of the teachers and adminstrators? I don’t think so.
Another person spoke at a meeting who has lived here for over 40 years and said that she has not seen such a divided community. What does that tell you? We have a problem right now and need to slow down and determine the best solution.
Thank you for voicing your thoughts. Unfortunately for this project, it seems like every sales technique was used in the book to try to convince everyone of its necessity. And that’s part of the problem. For example, why were tours of the condition of Neary conducted while students are enrolled in the school? To create a level of urgency and fear about the conditions? What do you think will happen if a new school is not approved? Seriously.
I’m sorry for my lengthy post, truly sorry. But I’m also very tired of the lack of understanding and the absolute insistence that one side is right and the other wrong.
Hi Diane,
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. There’s clearly a lot of concern and care for the town in what you’ve written. But I’d like to push back on a few points you raised, because while your comment reflects a viewpoint shared by some, it also rests on a number of false assumptions about both the school project and the process behind it.
First, the suggestion that Southborough “does not need another school” dismisses years of research, planning, and community input. The proposed school wasn’t created in a vacuum or pushed forward hastily. It’s the result of a multi-year process involving educators, engineers, financial analysts, and yes, the MSBA, whose funding is not just “extra money,” but a critical source of reimbursement that significantly reduces the cost burden on local taxpayers.
But if a new physical building isn’t the answer — what is? You ask for a reasonable solution, but don’t provide one. I am willing to listen to alternatives, but I’m not hearing any. I heard loud & clear that the solution proposed isn’t going to get enough support. But what I am asking of those who voted against it is to come to the table & offer their solutions. Let’s figure this out together.
Second, the idea that “an astute teacher” can replace investment in school infrastructure fundamentally misunderstands what a school is. No one is claiming that good teachers aren’t essential – of course they are. But they also need safe, modern, and functional spaces to teach effectively. Neary is not simply outdated – it is a building that no longer meets the physical or educational needs of the students and staff. There is no reality where a functional roof is an ‘amenity.’ Modern safety features are not ‘amenities.’ A fire suppression system is not an ‘amenity.’ This isn’t about amenities for show. It’s about accessibility, safety, and a learning environment that matches 21st-century standards.
I’m unclear where your point on professional development even stems from. This feels like misdirection, mentioning – in your own words – a comment that no one has said.
I am struggling to understand how slowing down equates to finding a solution. Work is required to find a solution, so if anything, we need to continue the process and stay engaged. The call to “pause,” that may sound reasonable, but in practice, delays in public projects don’t come without cost. Construction costs increase, grant opportunities are missed, and momentum is lost. Every time a community “waits” to solve a known problem, they end up paying more later. That’s not prudent caution; it’s financial shortsightedness. If we can all agree that something must be done, why would we wait to do something?
You mentioned a resident asking, “Does the size of the house make a home?” It’s a great metaphor, but perhaps the better question is: What kind of home do we want to build for the future of our children? One that’s patched together out of necessity and deferred maintenance, or one that reflects our commitment to education and community? And since this is your chosen metaphor, don’t most wonderful homes have a working kitchen? Because Neary doesn’t.
Where was all this outrage on the cost of living when the town voted (almost unanimously) to approved an $69M budget for FY26? Why are residents only pushing back on spending when it comes to our children?
The division in our town is real – but that division won’t be healed by stalling progress or questioning the motives behind thorough, transparent processes. It will be healed by constructive dialogue, factual data, and a willingness to make hard choices based on long-term needs, not just short-term discomfort.
Diane –
I noticed you wanted reasonable proposal and/or solution from the town. This is precisely the task of the next building committee. You should consider volunteering if you have thoughts on how this can be remedied. That being said, pausing does not address the needs of all constituents. Putting this issue on the backburner does not address the very real heath/environmental concerns at Neary.
I also would like to encourage people to really think about what it means to value our educators. Saying “teachers make the school” while dismissing the importance of safe, functional, and modern facilities is like saying you believe in science but don’t want to fund research. Both rely on having the right tools and environment to succeed. The educational landscape has changed completely since 2020. The proliferation of technology coupled with significant social/emotional learning gaps has changed both students and the way in which teachers need to address all learners.
If we truly want to value our educators, we have to listen to them. Ignoring their expertise while expecting excellence is not a sustainable model.
I do think you’re right that there is a lack of understanding. But this can only be addressed by all parties coming back to the table and finding a solution that meets the needs of everyone.
You know what, Diane is right. If Abraham Lincoln can learn to read by candlelight in a log cabin, these kids can live with whatever building they are lucky enough to get from us. Not a nickel more! In fact voting down the new school doesn’t go far enough; we should cut the remaining maintenance budget at the current Neary so these kids get a sense for how fortunate they really are!!
I’m disappointed that Beth allowed your childish and insulting post. Think about this: The next time a cashier has to make change for you and can’t because they didn’t learn how to do math, blame in the building they attended for school.
Well said Diane and exactly on point! As a resident for 42 years and my wife for 70 years we need to realize the real needs of the students. Also keeping tabs within reach of senior citizens and also middle-class and upper middle class residents.Many towns in Massachusetts have driven out these residents out due to these exact causes !