Jul 13, 2015 2 min read

Your editorial in Wednesday’s paper concerning the consolidation of school districts on a county level, as proposed by state Rep. Timothy Mahoney of Fayette County, struck a chord with me. This issue has been talked about and written about for more years than I can remember. You are right: Many other states use this system with success and great cost savings, as long as middle management does not get too fat. Having a plan, backed by research and solid figures is the key, as there will be great opposition.

Greene County would be well-served by such a consolidation. The plan could be as simple this: each district retains its elementary school; two middle schools with grades 5-8 are established to serve each half of the county; and there’s one consolidated high school at a central location. We have a consolidated vocational and technical school now. Plus, with students being trained in teacher education programs that place them on elementary, middle and high school tracks, setting schools up this way just makes sense. Many in the Pittsburgh area have already done so.

The cost savings would be great in administrative positions, transportation and buying power. The best buildings would be used and a county school board could be elected, among other advantages. The education of the students would be enriched through diversity, opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and a sense of the global world they will live in.

I am hoping that other state officials, including Gov. Tom Wolf, get on board and get it done and not vacillate from year to year, as state officials have done with privatizing the liquor store system.

Jim Hassett

Jefferson