Don’t rush to judge Sacred Heart project

As a longtime resident of La Cañada Flintridge, I have had the pleasure of counting Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy as not only a neighbor, but a good neighbor. I was very surprised when I read your article about the school’s modernization project.

As the school embarks on campus upgrades to meet its changing curricular and student needs, it has invited neighbors to attend detailed presentations. I clearly understand the project’s rationale and like what I’ve seen of the proposed improvements so far. As neighbors, I believe we need to allow the school the opportunity to continue to fully lay out its plan and explain the project, and we also need to review the environmental study before drawing conclusions and criticizing our neighbors.

We are just beginning a thorough city review process, which affords the public a multitude of opportunities to review and comment on the project. I have also been assured by the school that there is a driving commitment from Flintridge Sacred Heart to involve the community in its plans. I know firsthand how committed school leaders are to informing, involving and responding to the community’s needs.

We now have an opportunity to work together and to help the school develop a modernization plan that meets the needs of its students while respecting the neighborhood and the community. As a neighbor and former Flintridge Sacred Heart parent, having a top-notch school next door that focuses on educating the next generation of women leaders is a source of pride for me, and I hope that legacy continues. Let’s educate ourselves, hear the facts and work through the process constructively as good neighbors.

Mary Pinola
La Cañada Flintridge