To keep seven elementary schools open, the school district would be forced to make cuts to programs that benefit children.
The following “Letter to the Editor” was submitted by Marlton resident Janis Knoll:
Less than a year ago the Evesham Township Board of Education voted to consolidate schools and close Evans Elementary. School consolidation had been on the table for at least six years due to a steady decline in student population. Student enrollment has dropped by more than 1,000 students since 2003. Our seven elementary schools are now only two thirds full. This is not an efficient way to run a school district and is costing taxpayers more money each year.
Despite the fact that the state Department of Education has already approved the consolidation plan and more than 100 students have settled into their new schools, the issue is back on the table this week. The reason is that there are several newly elected school board members seated at the table. They ran on a platform that all schools can remain open without cuts to programs and without increasing taxes. This was an unrealistic promise with no plan on how they would deliver.
The reality is that to keep seven elementary schools open, the school district would be forced to make serious cuts in programs that greatly benefit our children, and draw families to Marlton. Programs like Reading Recovery, Gifted/Talented, Instrumental Music, and Computer/Technology would have to be scaled back or eliminated completely. Without these programs, our children will be denied services that bolster literacy skills, challenge our brightest, foster musical appreciation, and prepare our young people for a rapidly changing technological age.
The decision to close a school is never easy but our school board has a responsibility to move the district in the direction that will benefit all of Evesham’s students. They should not jeopardize programs that make our school district great for the sake of one building. They also have a duty to Evesham’s taxpayers. We should not have to pay for empty classrooms any longer. The school board must face the future and move forward with consolidation.
The vote to reverse consolidation is planned for this Thursday Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at DeMasi School in Marlton. I ask that all parents and taxpayers stand with me in asking the board of education to make the right decision and consolidate our schools.
Janis Knoll
