To the editor and Salem voters:

Salem Preservation was created 30 years ago after we were at risk of losing historic homes that could be saved. Schools have become an endangered species of their own. The National Trust for Historic Preservation brought attention to this issue in 2000 by naming Neighborhood Schools to the America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. The issue of aging schools needing to be adapted to current standards is a nationwide problem.

There are good arguments to made for and against creating newer and bigger school buildings. Most recent local conversations have focused on the pros. Let’s talk about the flip side.

According to the National Trust, “Historic neighborhood schools are anchors within our communities. They offer students distinctive and unique places to learn. They provide constant and subtle lessons about the history of their town and respect for the past. And, as they are often within walking distance, local schools encourage students to walk or bike, promoting healthy activity and a chance to experience and engage with their surroundings.”

Salem City School buildings, including Buckeye and Reilly, have been well-maintained and had many structural and technological upgrades. Granted, there are some systems that could be improved but these do no negate the value or usability of these buildings.

Should the local levy pass and the Board of Education decide to proceed with mega-building plans, we believe Salem City Schools and the community would be best served by selling these structures so they can be reused. The neighborhood and nearby homes will suffer if the buildings are demolished. In most aspects of our life, we are trained to recycle. This is just a plea to consider the same thing on a larger scale. It is unconscionable to demolish buildings with so much life left. Solid foundations, strong exteriors, and good design are just a few reasons to save these school buildings.

The research and literature are replete with reasons to adapt old buildings versus tearing them down. A few adaptive uses include housing, community centers, and business incubators. Any of these would bolster neighborhood value and contribute to the school system bottom line. There are many fine regional architects and builders who specialize in these adaptations. We need not look far to find communities who have done this. Parochial schools, retail and residential development in former department stores and office buildings, and food, beverage, and hospitality projects.

Please explore these alternatives while there is still time to save the buildings. Often overlooked, they are hidden gems in the architectural, historical, and social fabric of our town.

Local citizens, we urge you to think critically and get out to vote! With Deepest Respect:

Salem Preservation Officers and Directors:

Keith Berger, Jennifer Brown,

Carolyn Caldwell, John “Jack” Gilbert,

Ginger Grilli, Arlene Hasson Schwartz,

Elaine Rousseau Kothera , David K. Schwartz