All around Leander the clashing and banging of construction can be heard at some point of the day. It can be extremely obnoxious, but is necessary for progress. In order for the new science building to be built, there are a few things the school must sacrifice for progress. For example, the two oak trees that had to be chopped down just made more sense.

In order for progress to be made on the science building’s construction, the trees had to be removed. One of the two oak trees was dying anyway. The oak tree was predicted to only live about four more years and then it would’ve had to be cut down. If the tree had died, they may or may not have planted a new one.

Once the science building is finished, there will be many more trees planted. In the courtyard of the school (with the new science building) there are plans to plant at least two new trees. So not only are the two trees being replaced, but for everyone who loves trees, a few more will take their place.

Yes, the trees had sentimental value, and were nice to look at, but it was much cheaper to get rid of them. If the trees had been kept, the road would have needed to be widened instead. Widening the road was a lot more expensive option. With the school budget as low as it is, saving money and chopping down trees doesn’t seem so bad to me.

It is a little sad that two 150 year old trees needed to be killed, but we can always plant more. The trees had been around a very long time and perhaps it was time that they go. New trees and new memories can now be planted.

(In November, we ran a print edition with more details about the construction. You can check out that page here: Construction Story – Print)