To the Editor:
For the cash-strapped Carrollton School District, finding money to repair decrepit buildings and an out-dated heating system and to pay for other overdue maintenance projects is an understandable struggle. What homeowner hasn't let a few repairs slide? But does the “to do” list have to get done now? Improvements to the school buildings, either fixing them or building new schools, is critical to its viability and support from loyal supporters.

The schools have struggled for some time with financial issues and deteriorating buildings as enrollment has plummeted. An infusion of state funds may have helped put it in a position to move ahead because at this point, it appears to be going backwards. Close a school here and there and the faculty struggles will continue on until it's time to close another.

The school board thought it was taking the right steps by placing issues in front of the voters in working to construct schools. That is essential to the district's financial security and viability. The new educational buildings may be a draw and a crowd pleaser, but it can't be the answer to the financial concerns. With the economy as it now and how they wanted to do it, the entire situation is wrong because of the loss of jobs, homes, vehicles, the increase in the price of groceries, fuel and property taxes.

The Master Plan, as they call it, called for three new buildings. Why does Carrollton need three buildings when they can save money right there from the beginning and cut it down? Two buildings would be sufficient; one building would support kindergarten through seventh, while the other supports eighth through 12th. How much taxpayer money would be saved by eliminating the third building? My guess would be about one fourth of the cost. I will ask the question and let you decide. Would you vote for a school levy that does not target property taxes if two schools were built as I described, instead of wasting money on three schools? Write a rebuttal and let everyone know what your view is. Something will need to be done with Carrollton Schools.

Ed Hale
Carrollton, OH 

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