The gross politicizing of the decision
to close Pettibone School reached its apex with the recent letter in the News-Times from outgoing School Board
Member David Shaffer.
Mr. Shaffer was a Member of the
Facilities Utilization Committee, a hand-picked group of 25 that considered the
closing of JPS and the redistricting that has been a success. Among others, it included Superintendent Paddyfote, former
Board Chair Wendy Faulenbach, Frank Wargo, Tom Esposito, Beth Falder, Mike
Crespan, Walter Bayer and me, Tom Pilla.
The Committee voted unanimously to close JPS. Mr. Shaffer's failure to disclose that he
voted to close JPS is hypocritical and disingenuous.
Three studies over the past many years
predicted with uncanny accuracy a significantly declining enrollment that is
also being experienced in all the surrounding Towns except Danbury.
We salute Town Councilman Walter Bayer
who on October 27, 2015, called JPS a "dinosaur." The facility is decrepit and declining. Among other problems, he noted that there's
asbestos in the roof, a leaking boiler that should be replaced and miles of
pipe that must be inspected. There are
concerns for safety and security.
Ideas for
the use of the facility range from the ridiculous to the sublime but all come
with a hefty price tag...where will the money come from to pay for these
ideas? No one has addressed that issue
and they ignore the cost-savings to the taxpayer that result from the closure
and redistricting. The savings recognized are better utilized in the classroom.
The decision
to close JPS shouldn't be a political issue.
It's common sense.
Jay Lewin
Tom Pilla
New Milford
1 comment:
it's being politicized because the dems have little else to run on
bike lanes?
walking trails?
improving quality of life for residents?
I didn't know that was a function of government...reckon I stand corrected
while everyone's walking and biking in nirvana, who's paying the bills?
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