I’m thinking you either embrace it, or move on.

If not, you’ll drive yourself insane.

Blue Collar town, those that want out do so, those that don’t stay. Those are the folks you are trying to change.

Not good, not bad, just the way it is.

You stated “You say that we cannot afford new schools, but you want to close all these schools due to disrepair and age. Where are the kids going to be schooled?”
I stated “As much as people are going to hate to read this, FCHS was built in 1905, how many more years does anyone think this building is going to stand? In addition, to have 2 high schools within 10 miles of each other is wasteful, IMO. So yes, sooner or later a decision needs to be made with concern to that. Is the answer to build a new HS at middle ground for Elderton, KTG and FC? Yes. Can that happen now? NO! Again, the economic climate of this area does not indicate that.”

I did not say close everything down now. I did, however, write that sooner or later a decision needs to be made. Also in that paragraph I clearly stated that to build a new high school can not happen now due to the economic climate.
Do I think there can be one HS for the entire district? No. Our district is entirely too large for something like that.

Then in a post toward Smitty I wrote “Do we need a consolidated school? Yes. Can we do this now? No. Our economics show we can not afford it. But what do we do in the meantime? For one, the district needs to start being more conservative with the money. Just because it is there, does not mean we have to spend it all.
In addition, look at FCHS as a good example. The school was built in the early 1900’s. How long does anyone think it is going to continue to stand? Doesn’t anyone think that perhaps we need to start looking down the road at these types of issues?”

Again, I believe, I stated regarding not being able to afford a consolidated school that economics can not afford it.

Great post above.

I agree with you. Socio-economics have to be taken into consideration, especially if we are going to be pullling in data from places like Fox Chapel and Mt. Lebanon.

The only part I do not agree with you on is the notion that people in these parts are afraid of change. With certain things, yes, they do fear change, but sometimes that is warranted because of past deeds that were done. I still hold hope and believe that people would embrace a positive change. In these parts we are a little too small for our own good and not big enough to not make simple things worrisome. I think we could embrace and celebrate positive change. Sure, you will have some naysayers, but all areas have them, and instead of trying to beat them over the head with something that is supposed to be positive, instead, we should be trying to show them the positive aspects on the comunity around us.

The drug activity is a very negative attribute for this area, but once again, I think this is more of a sign of the socio-economic climate we have cultured here. We need to do better on the economic side of things and with job growth. Follow the discussion between Scott and I. We need this area to start living, again. We aremoving backwards and this is not just because of the school system. If you believe think a school or schools is going to solve this, I got a good price for the Citizens Bridge, if you want to buy it.

Thanks for your input. I do agree that this is a much bigger issue than we can probably resolve on a website, but at least there was a discussion on the subject. I could tell you horror stories about technology, so believe me, I know. The human element is decreasing more and more in everything, working, shopping, roadways, banking, etc. Education is going to be no different. I hope i am wrong, but it has one main thing going for it….it’s cheaper. At work technology ALWAYS works. In saying that, I mean even if it does not complete the tasks assigned or even if it does not meet the pre-stated goals, companies & businesses will insist it works better, because it is $change$ in their pocket. I am not saying all teachers are going to be let go, but I think within the next 5-10 years, you will see a drastic decrease in the teachers needed and their value.

To Dee: The property tax issue is all over the area, region and state, it is still not a good excuse why we do not have more in this area. Once again, we need to think outside the box, and dig deeper instead of trying to a qucik fix-it answer. Small schools, big schools, etc….the taxes will stay where they are until PA does something on the state level. This is not a local boon to Armstrong County. The Education budget in PA is a statewide problem.

My Highlands remark was made to discuss. I am not certain how things work in that area, but it does look like more depressing each time I go through there. How much do they pay in taxes? Some of you are good with those stats? What businesses have they attracted?

Jen: You seem to be all over the map. I am not understanding what you actually want? You say that we cannot afford new schools, but you want to close all these schools due to disrepair and age. Where are the kids going to be schooled? You are taking big whacks with a hatchet, but you are hitting nothing but air. What do you want to see? You want one high school for the entire district? Do you want Ford City and Kittanning combined? Where do we teach the kids? I am not criticizing you as much as I do not understand what you want? It is easy to say and suggest things without costs and numbers involved, but these directors are working with a limited amount of money.

I would rather deal with the Elderton issue first. This will probably affect my other opinions in regards to the district as a whole. Right now, Elderton should be closed and these kids need to settle into their respective schools. I am just not a firm believer that this one change is a green light to start making other changes just because you do or do not have the majority of the board. It has nothing to do with people not liking change. It has to do with people not wanting ot see their money thrown around or wasted on some pet project to score a point against the other team.

Anyone that does not believe they go hand in hand should do some research on the Oklahoma model. All schools and state officials work together for the economic development of their state.