Letters to the Editor
Knight Pride Has No Side
It seems as there are no viewing slits in the helmets worn by Independent or Bust supporters such as Phil Paradise in his March 21 letter entitled, “Proud to be Black Knights,” where he raises questions of why did we decide now and how is this in the interests of the students.
Let’s look at the first question, why now before open enrollment? So people know what the future of their kid’s education will be and can take appropriate action. Families making such transitions as enrolling in kindergarten or moving on to junior high or high school may want to start things off on the right foot.
It should also be noted that the reason why the previous school board gave for ending talks with West G two years ago was that parents wouldn’t know where to enroll their children in kindergarten.
Further, parents without the economic benefits to take advantage of open enrollment will now have an option of sending their kids to a highly ranked school district in West Geauga without needing to drive them back and forth. In short, It’s Time.
The next question was about how is this territory transfer in the interest of students. Phil chose to paint this as a justification of making a decision to close Newbury Schools. “I thought the goal of the school board was to promote the best interests of the students attending the district they represent.”
I would hold they are doing just that. The West Geauga school district ranked 29th, highest in Geauga County, in the Performance Index ranking of Ohio Schools. Newbury ranked 342nd; it is not excellent as Phil suggests and is already a place most pass through on the way to somewhere else.
Isn’t it obvious that sending the kids to a much higher ranked school academically would be in their interest?
Additionally, the extra dollars in their parent’s pocket, due to the almost 13-mill tax cut they’ll receive, will definitely make things better for the entire family. But wait, take a look at what I just said for a minute — better school for less money. When has this happened before? It’s a great deal, if you just have the courage to open your visor and look.
I’m a 1989 Newbury graduate. I’ll always be a proud Black Knight, but I look forward to living in Wolverine country.
Bob Robertson
Newbury Township
