Letters

Our daughter had an outstanding education in the Sag Harbor schools. She graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma and learned to think critically because of the tough back-and-forth dialogue with her excellent teachers. She was well-prepared for college.

Is there a reason our public school cannot weather a direct back-and-forth discussion about developing the Marsden Street properties? Remarkably, no public forums have been held for the school and community to civilly argue the issues.

The school may say it has informed the public through School Board meetings, and through the Sag Harbor School District website. But the School Board is not obligated to respond to any questions. There is no dialogue.

The school’s approach prevents a vigorous and civil debate to fully inform the Sag Harbor community and taxpayers to decide what to do.

At the last School Board meeting, the school said it may give presentations to various community groups. Will the school participate in an open and thoughtful conversation with community groups as they seek input? If so, representatives from the opposing viewpoint need to be included at those meetings. Let’s work toward a conversation among equals rather than another one-sided presentation.

And to further promote that civil and open dialogue, it may also be time for The Express to host a forum.

John Oppenheimer

Sag Harbor