Closing a school is a very difficult thing to do. It is an emotional issue that is tough for a community to face.

All of the members of the Wiscasset School Committee would rather not close a school.

Unfortunately, because of the declining number of students in our schools, our withdrawal from RSU 12 and the financial commitments of the town of Wiscasset, we find ourselves in this difficult position.

In order to withdraw from RSU 12, the town voted to approve a $2 million bond. This has been spent, and it appears the cost will be more than the original estimate because of a much bigger deficit for RSU 12.

As part of the withdrawal agreement, 26.1 percent of that deficit must be paid by the town of Wiscasset.

To keep our tax burden at a 4.6 percent increase, $1.25 million was taken out of the town reserve fund and $300,000 was taken from the town surplus.

Without this financial commitment, our taxes would have been raised 27 percent.

I think it is important to understand the financial position the town is in with regards to running our own school system. If the town does not let us close a school, I fear all the board will do is fight over the budget each year.

Without the savings provided by closing a school, it is very likely that the community will not be able to advance and improve the education of our children.

More specifically, if the voters of Wiscasset vote "no" on Dec. 9, I fear we will not have the time to close a school for the 2015-2016 school year.

The Wiscasset School Committee has been working on this issue since last January.

The Wiscasset Primary School costs $30,000 more per year in fixed utility costs. This savings each year is an important starting point.

I also received a lot of feedback from the town that the people of Wiscasset would like to keep the Wiscasset Middle School open.

As an elected official, I took this feedback seriously.

There are many positives and negatives about each building, but I truly believe the strength of our schools is in our teachers and our school staff.

I am confident that our Wiscasset Primary School staff can make the Wiscasset Middle School an exceptional K-6 building.

I can promise that if the town of Wiscasset votes "yes" and supports their school committee, we will work very hard to make sure that all of the issues of moving our kids are addressed.

I can assure all the parents that we will provide a safe and solid educational environment for all of our children.

I urge the voters to support your school committee and vote "yes" on Dec. 9.

I truly believe this is the best decision for the town and for our children.