Private schools matter

I was sorely disappointed to learn of the city council’s decision to stop the transportation money to Bangor’s three fine private schools. These schools are more than just schools; they are businesses that bring revenue to the city. They employ city residents, many of whom own homes and pay taxes in Bangor. For example, the prior owner of our home taught at John Bapst Memorial High School.

These schools are resources that draw people into our community. My family is a prime example. We relocated from Massachusetts for a job. Our decision to purchase a home in Bangor was based in large part on the presence of high-quality private schools.

These educational businesses draw people from other communities. Because they spend time in Bangor every day, they choose to go to Bangor businesses. They purchase pizza in Bangor; they shop for food at Bangor supermarkets; they choose dentists and doctors in Bangor; they buy clothes in Bangor and they use the YMCA in Bangor.

Should the private schools close or choose to relocate to another community, those consumer dollars go out of Bangor.

These are real-life examples of the economic impact the presence of private schools has on this community. The presence of private schools does nothing to diminish the city, and it adds to the city’s reputation. The council’s decision reminds me of the adage “penny-wise and pound-foolish.”

The city does not hesitate to add infrastructure to help other businesses. Traffic lights, sidewalks, landscaping, city parking lots help to encourage business. The funds the city cut for the private schools may seem a lot, but they are much smaller than the benefit the city derives from its private schools.

I hope the council will re-examine this issue more closely and restore these funds.

Marianne Lynch, Esq.

Bangor