School District Consolidation

I have to admit that it has been a long time since I wrote to a government official. But when I read about the Governor's recent proposal to institute a process that would lead to the consolidation of the state's 501 school districts into 100 districts, I sent letters to my state representative and senator, asking them to do what they could to oppose that plan.

I agree that making school districts more efficient and cost-effective is certainly a desirable goal. But my concern is that by creating these mega-districts, more and more students are going to get lost in the system. According to the Post-Gazette, if this consolidation were to take place, the typical school district would be made up of about 17,500 students, meaning that each grade level would include approximately 1,400 students.

Perhaps just as important, families and local communities are going to be more and more marginalized from the education system. If districts become exponentially larger, as the Governor is wanting, there is no way that administrators and school boards are going to be able to be as responsive to the particular needs of students, families, or communities.

Another consideration is the fact that if there were to be significant consolidations, many students - including elementary school students - are going to end up being bussed out of their neighborhoods considerable distances to new schools.

I believe that the decision about whether to consolidate or not should be left to local school districts and voters. Consolidation should not be mandated by the powers-that-be in Harrisburg.

Finding ways to reduce the cost of education is certainly a worthwhile undertaking. But I believe that the Governor's rather heavy-handed proposal is wrong for the schools of our state.

If you have a strong feeling about this matter, I would encourage you to contact your legislators. For those in the Crafton area, your Senator is Wayne Fontana, Senate Box 203042, Harrisburg PA 17120, and your Representative is Daniel J. Deasy, P.O. Box 202027, Harrisburg PA 17120.

Ed Bowen