By Staff
To the editor:
Why another K-8 school in the north end?
The north end of District 5 is already set to have two K-8 schools – a new school to be built in the Molino area and a renovated school in Century. Why should we be made to take another one?
The ENTIRE Escambia County school system is in financial trouble – NOT the north portion of District 5 of Escambia County! There have been several other options proposed to our school district in an effort to save money without closing any school. For some reason, the school district is closing their eyes and ears to these other options.
I, personally, along with many other taxpaying, law abiding District 5 voters, do not want Bratt Elementary or Ernest Ward Middle schools to close. I intend to fight to keep both facilities open. In [Superintendent of Education Jim] Paul's "written" proposal to the school board members, he has stated that only four (4) classrooms will be constructed at Ernest Ward before bringing Bratt Elementary over for this K-8 school. This is ludicrous! How in the world can you put almost 400 students in four classrooms? One hundred students per class? I don't think so! At least not for my children anyway, and my children do not have to attend the Escambia County public schools.
I have been attending meeting after meeting trying to make sense of all of this. I've come to the conclusion that this is a big "political game," and rules and fairness are not part of it. I am so thankful that we have knowledgeable, experienced individuals on our school board. Mrs. Linda Finkelstein may be new to the board, but she "knows her stuff!" I'm so proud to have her as our (District 5) representative. I hope and trust that our school board members will do right by the citizens and STUDENTS of Escambia County, Fla. – including those of us out here in the north 40!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Lissa Bardin