LETTERS: One Idea: Tarbell Charter School for the Arts?

Dear Editor:

As the Realtor responsible for the expanded marketing of town owned properties, I am trying to explore all options for the reuse of the Tarbell School. This visually striking building was born as a school in 1914. Now, 100 years later, can it be re-born as a school? A charter school? A charter school for the arts?

I don't pretend to understand the financial, regulatory, and political hurdles that would be encountered, but this idea has been enthusiastically received whenever I have sought the opinions of others. It would take an extraordinary partnership of parents, educators, investors, and developers to make this happen, but Groton has all those ingredients! And I imagine that Edmund Tarbell (1862-1938), a noted impressionist painter born in West Groton, would have approved.

Take a look at the web site for the Gate City Charter School for the Arts in Merrimack, NH: http://www.gatecitycharterschool.org/index.html

In less than TWO years, this has gone from a vision to a reality. They have an authorized enrollment of 140 students in grades K-6 and now have a wait list for their opening this Fall. (Coincidentally, Tarbool School has a brand new septic system designed for 140 students.) The mission of the Gate City Charter School for the Arts is to use an arts-integrated curriculum to educate all interested students in grades K-8, to produce graduates who excel in both academics and the arts and have the knowledge, creativity and inquisitive nature that foster a life-long love of learning.

I will gladly answer any questions and open the building for inspection if anyone is interested.

Regards,

John H Carver, Broker-Owner

eRealty-MA, LLC