For many years, the fate of the Gale School has been in question. Every time the Shaker District put an article in the warrant seeking the approval to raze the building, voters always said “no.”
Over these years, the “Save Our Gale School” (SOGS) committee formed, and members sought viable alternatives that might save and repurpose this historic structure. Unfortunately, momentum would flag and progress would grind to a halt.
However, we are extremely happy to announce several encouraging events:
The Gale School was awarded the “Seven To Save” status from the N.H. Preservation Alliance.
SOGS won the RFP that the district put out on the Gale School.
SOGS signed a purchase and sales agreement with the district.
SOGS put down $5,000 required by this agreement,
Lakes Region Community Development expressed great interest in being part in the repurposing,
And perhaps most important, the SRSD and SOGS are in agreement for the first time concerning this long-standing issue.
But now it is up to you, the voters, as to where we go from here.
On March 13 you will be asked if you support the district selling the Gale School to SOGS for $1. Please vote “yes” on Article 4. As owners of the Gale School, we will be able to raise the necessary funds to buy property to place it on.
Should Article 4 fail, we have committed ourselves to support the Gale School’s demolition. This is our final opportunity to save the last iconic and historically significant building left in Belmont.
KEN KNOWLTON
Belmont