Story comments - Reporter-Times.com/MD-Times.com

Hot topics » Mayor: Rezone addresses som ... Postseason continues for lo ... Death notices: May 25, 2013

Consolidation might be the only answer

read more recent story comments Reader comments

Phantom
Friday, August 20, 2010: 9:55 pm
More from Phantom

During my over 40 years at Eminence,I have seen us have to expand the building several times (as I was told by various boards), in order to meet State requirements in order not to have consolidation or be closed. All of this was to serve approximately the same number of students that it used to, and still does serve. One self-serving Superintendant even had a separate building erected for his office.

During these years we have seen lean times when teachers had provided some of the supplies that should have been provided by taxes. During these same periods, the gym has been refurbished a number of times. When I ask why spend money on that when other things need attention, I'm told it's from a different fund. If not used, the State will remove that fund. True or False?? I don't know. But, it seems that the school should be able to use funds as needed rather than dictated.

When I went to school, the emphasis was on teaching and learning instead of swimming pools, tennis courts, fancy football fields and purchasing softball parks (like Mooresville), and of course basketball gyms. We've always had sports in schools, but not to the extent and expense as today.

The schools closed as mentioned in another article were mostly one room school houses. As transportation improved and roads improved, people went to larger single facilities as the population grew. If a school like Eminence is forced to close, Eminence will no doubt become a "Ghost" town, as that is the glue that helps keep the community together.

Consolidation requires children to be on the road more hours a day, more travel expense and handicapping children who live further away when it comes to after school activities.

If the State could be trusted not to hit us with a surprise major real estate tax increase on top of it all, I think we should be able to stand a 10% increase for the school over what we presently pay. It was lowered enough in the last several years to afford that type of increase.

STANDING BYE
Monday, April 30, 2012: 12:07 pm
More from STANDING BYE

Hate to bring this subject back up being out for so long, but if they have been considering merging with South Putnam, better be careful--as the school board there is closing Reelsville School at the end of this year...a merger wouldnt guarantee they would do that to the Eminence community.Reelsville is doing just that...reeling from this loss soon to their town!

2 comments found