On your July editorial. For several years I have put forward the thought of school consolidation in Lackawanna County. I have spoken at your annual regional report about it a few years back and have put it forward in print in other areas. Basically, Wake County, North Carolina has one school district. They have all kinds of schools for different types of students. The kids are bussed. Wake County made the commitment to education 30 years ago and the results are the famed Research Triangle and a great place to live.
Lackawanna County has nine school districts. Why should a child in Carbondale not have the same opportunity to a great education as a child in the Abingtons? Talk about a real economic revitalization tool! People choose where to live primarily based on the available education opportunities and affordability. Think about what would happen throughout the county if, no matter where you lived, you know your child would have an equal opportunity for a great education. Property values could stabilize or rise in certain areas. Tax burdens would be shared across the county. There are too many advantages to mention. Of course now, in Wake County, they are working on economic integration in the schools, another issue.
Of course, change comes with more change. The commonwealth would have to get involved, as well as unions, politicians, and so forth. You can get a headache thinking about it. But what about the children, their future, their world? Is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
Thanks.
John T. Cognetti, president, Hinerfeld Realty
– Letter to the Editor of Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal
