A few thoughts on the MHS saga

To the Editor

Back on December 16, 2008 a big head line in the T&T read “Moncton High School repairs soar to $60M” that sure got people’s attention. The province knew that the school needed repairs and had set aside $12M for the work. But after it spent $500,000 on a report outlining the costs of renovation, we were told that the minimum price tag would be $48M and could mount as work began. In that same article we were assured it would cost between $20 and $25 million to build a new school to accommodate 1,350 students. Thus the stage was set for the MHS repair or replace debate.

Those who understand how things really work in life, or who are naturally pessimistic, guessed that when all was said and done only one factor would matter; the perceived cost of the solution. I don’t mean to say that people who fought to save MHS were wasting their time; they were taking the right stand even if it was a nearly hopeless one.

Fast forward to February 7, 2012 and the T&T article that explains the current situation. Royal Oaks developers have convinced the province to build a new school in their subdivision. A school that is now estimated at $40 million. A school that will not have the grandeur or character of old MHS, is going to cost nearly what the renovations would have. Just imagine if the debate started out: $48M on MHS or $40M on a new school. But we were convinced that the province did not have deep pockets and a new school would cost less than half what repairs would run.

"It's a fait accompli." democracy does not matter, only business deals do, so lets get on with life.

Thus we have three points to deal with. First, the logistics of making sure the new school in its out of town location is viable. Some other site may be better, but it is unlikely that the province will alter course now. So we must improve Elmwood Drive and the infrastructure of the area. Second, the question of a name; call it Oak View High or something but don’t pretend it is Moncton High. A name is an important factor. Third, the fate of the old building; which should include a museum room dedicated its former function as a school. Although most of the building may be converted to offices, shops condos, the theater and gym should become part of a center open to community use.

The real irony of the MHS saga will be when the final bills are calculated. I expect that the new school, especially with infrastructure costs, will be more than the renovation costs spent to turn old MHS into a safe and usable place.

Think about it.