It wasn't that long ago that there was a vote for the consolidation of Malvern and Nishna Valley. Outside of the proposed god-awful name of "Mal-Val", I was all for it. It made sense, monetarily and educationally. It was only a matter of time before the districts were going to be swallowed by neighboring larger towns. One sooner than the other, but still a near inevitability for both involved.
The students were closer to friends than rivals. Weekend parties that were attended by both 'factions' were rarely if ever hostile. There were no town fights, unlike if you ventured to our big brother to the West. There were no superiority complexes from either side. The kids were for it.
Than it came to a vote. "Save our towns" was the rally cry heard from some corners. People that had no idea what was even going on were being bused to the polls to vote against this consolidation. "My girl has flat feet, she won't be able to play basketball!" was one horrified cry.
The vote passed in one town by an easy margin, the other... shot down by an enormous majority.
I don't bring this up to make one town look smart and one town look simple minded. I bring this up now because this is the time to think about what future we're looking at for our kids.
Whole grade sharing is a good first step. But it is not the only step. Two administrations and two boards. When is more bureacracy and administration a positive thing? Why are we paying two high level jobs, when we only need one. Use that money for better wages for teachers and hopefully we'll be able to keep the good ones, instead of losing them to a better paying position. (Which is just about anywhere else)
The OT recently reported that 17 additional offerings were available to students due to the shared resources. Now imagine quite a few thousand dollars more becomes available for more teachers because we have one superintendent, principal, and other redundant staff. What does that number climb to? What other clubs, activities, AP classes, and other opportunities become possible?
Still stuck worrying about extracurricular activities? Worried your kid isn't going to be able to play? If your kid can't play for East Mills do you really think they have a snowballs chance in hell of playing for a neighboring larger school? I don't think so.
Have old rivalries stuck in your head? Ask your kid or grandchild what kind of rivalries are still there. Think being swallowed by our neighbors to the East or West is a better opportunity? Ask someone from P.J. or S.C. if they're accepted on the same level as a kid from the main town. They're second class students in the minds of many.
If you want your kid to go to a larger school... great, open enroll. No one is saying you can't, shouldn't, or it isn't your decision. What I'm saying is that the opportunity of growing up in a class room that you know every kid, should not be taken away. You don't think that matters? Okay, open enroll to the East or West. Just don't make the decision for the rest of us.
I'm not saying that a consolidated East Mills is the best option for every child in every situation. I'm not saying that every town or every parent will rejoice with the final product. I'm not even saying that this consolidated school will be superior to our neighbors. The issue is the undeniable fact that this is the only way to keep the option of a small school for your kids or grandchildren. Or are you planning on driving your kids all the way to Stanton or Tabor? Hamburg, Sidney, Farragut, South Page, are all looking at the same future. Standing alone means dying alone. If you don't want to be swallowed, you'd better find a partner.
When ever this vote happens, just keep in mind that this is a vote for the option of going to a smaller school. If you think a consolidated East Mills is lesser than a neighboring school, fine. But don't vote to take away that option. Just open enroll. This isn't a choice between small and big, this is a vote for the opportunity to go to a small school. One district will be gone almost immediately. One district will fight for survival, but without redrawing district lines, will be condemned to death in the long run.
Just make sure to vote for this consolidation, even if you're positive it will pass. If you've read this hopefully you'll understand that this isn't a call to vote one way because the consolidation is the absolute best thing for every child. It's a vote to give opportunity. It's a decision that no vote at all is better than a 'no' vote. A 'no' vote is a destructive vote. No middle ground here folks. Either you want a small consolidated school, or no school at all. That isn't your decision to make for everyone else.
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