To the Editor:

Many people know about Valley Road School being named by Preservation N.J. as one of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey. And many of you have heard about our petition to put saving Valley Road School on the general election ballot on November 5. Please look for our red and white table at McCaffrey’s, Hinds Plaza and other locations to sign our petition.

Many people are not that familiar with the organization that is working to save Valley Road School and adaptively reuse it. We are a grass roots group of concerned citizens who think that Valley Road School represents an important part of Princeton’s history and contains fantastic spaces where nonprofit organizations serving Princeton can be creative and prosper.

From what started as the Valley Road School — Adaptive Reuse Committee (VRS-ARC), we formed the Valley Road School Community Center, Inc. in 2011, which was approved as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS to receive tax exempt donations in 2012. Our board is made up of people who see Valley Road School as a wonderful opportunity to serve the town. They are: Kip Cherry, Trustee/President; Trustee/VPs Claire Jacobus, Anne Reeves, James Firestone, Ridgley Applegate; Trustee/Secretary Richard Woodbridge; Trustee/Treasurer Charles (Chuck) Creesy; and Trustees John Clearwater, Mary Clurman, Joanne Gere, Robert Gupta, and Walter Krieg.

Some trustees are associated with nonprofit organizations. Some attended Valley Road School. One use to be president of the school board. Some have special strengths in computer technology. We all believe that saving Valley Road School is the right thing to do and that it can be accomplished economically for $3-5 million. Our consultants are currently further refining this construction cost estimate.

Kip Cherry

President, Valley Road School Community Center, Inc.