Sometimes it seems the debate about whether to build a high school in Hooksett will never end. For two decades at least, Hooksett has been studying the need and debating the cost.

Would it be nice to have a high school in Hooksett? Sure. Nothing like a shiny new school. More control over what's taught. Community pride. That's all good.

Problems are expense, lack of a wide variety of classes and extracurriculars, small school for sports.

Some people will not rest until Hooksett has its own high school, but we would urge them to get more involved in the city high schools first. Manchester's high schools are not perfect; no school is. But they do offer a wider variety of classes, extracurricular and more competitive sports than a smaller local high school could ever offer. If the city ever gets its act together and starts some specialty programs, like a technology school or an arts school, Hooksett students could benefit greatly.

And the reason that pushing Manchester to improve is important is that whenever it comes down to a vote, people come out of the woodwork to say no. We've seen it happen too many times now to think people will act any differently. Building a high school, even renovating Cawley into a high school and building a new middle school, is going to be incredibly expensive. Can you imagine the majority of voters choosing to fund such a project? We can't.

Put the effort into improving the city schools. It will pay off immediately, for the students already there and for the students to come.

(Guest editorial from the Hooksett Banner.)