I am one of three SAD 44 directors from Andover and have devoted many hours over the last three years to understanding the issues behind the closure of Andover Elementary School, as well as the proposed withdrawal that Andover residents will be voting on Jan. 7.

Despite some of the rhetoric from both sides of the withdrawal issue, very few of the problems have been created solely by either Andover or SAD 44.

Each citizen of Andover pays taxes to provide educational opportunities to the students who live in Andover. This is a product that the town of Andover purchases each year.

The vote for withdrawal gives each citizen an option to purchase a different product. Like any investment it must be cared for to maximize its potential.

I urge every citizen of Andover to take a part in maximizing the potential of the educational opportunities that we purchase for our students, whether you have a child enrolled in the school system or not. It is the only way that we can take responsibility for the investment we make each year.

The citizens of Andover can create a school system that nurtures and provides a solid educational foundation for the children who call Andover home.

Many options have been explored over the past three years, but a long term agreement to keep AES open could not be formulated and we find ourselves with a withdrawal vote imminent.

We must vote yes on Jan. 7 to take responsibility for our children.

Mark Shraiberg, Andover