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The superintendent of East Allen County Schools proposed closing or modifying the functional use of some of the facilities. This is basically a resurrection of the “3-3-10” plan from 20 years ago with minor differences. This plan still shows a lack of resolve to address educational issues this board and administration have failed to do for the past five years. In other words, educational programs should be addressed first, and letting the facilities meet the needs.
The only educational issue I saw reported was a recommendation for a full-day kindergarten program.
EACS says that it will continue to lose money in the general fund from the state. Projected savings by these recommendations might be $400,000. Obviously, the most significant losers in this arrangement would be the residents of the Paul Harding High School area. The Leo-Cedarville attendance area is virtually untouched. Although not stated, this is also an attempt to redistribute school performance based on No Child Left Behind requirements.
While the media have emphasized the proposal to close Harding, the final proposal gets little review. That is to raise local property taxes to increase the general fund. The specific amount has not been suggested.
These recommendations do not tell the taxpayers what the additional costs would be to implement this plan. All of these costs would be borne by local taxpayers. Some type of estimates should be put before the public also regarding:
•Remodeling costs to New Haven High School to accommodate Harding transfers
•Remodeling costs to Prince Chapman to accommodate New Haven Middle School transfers
•Possible remodeling costs to Paul Harding High School for a possible new program
•Increased transportation costs for busing, which would include additional bus purchases, fuel and drivers
•Expenses to raze the building next to New Haven Middle School
•Possible closure expenses to Hoagland or Monroeville elementary schools
•The referendum to increase the general fund
Some of the construction costs should be offset with more than $1 million the district has been holding for several years to remodel Highland Terrace – even though the superintendent said last year the board had no intention to modify that facility. The district also owns property in Cedar Creek that could be sold.
The taxpayers should expect hard numbers detailing the actual costs of the administration’s proposal and the proposed educational programs for students that would be housed in the new facilities. Finally, consider one other possibility – a referendum that allows for the preservation of the status quo.
STEVE GORDON New Haven
