To the editor:
In full disclosure, I was on the ConVal School Board for 12 years, with four as its chair. I feel that I am somewhat familiar with its working, both financially as well as educationally. So it’s been interesting waiting for the information to come forward that makes sense to have Peterborough leave the ConVal district.
It seems that much is made of the financial side of the equation, which I feel has to be counted, but nothing is being said of the educational factor for our children. Where are the supporters of this petition in presenting the factual information so one can vote intelligently?
I personally do not feel it is a good idea to leave the district for many reasons. First, I do not feel the figures that I have come up with indicate any savings for the town. As for educationally, it would be a disaster for our children.
Fifty years ago ConVal was formed to provide more services for our students. If we leave ConVal, most extra services would be gone. Special courses would not be available because people would be placing the cost ahead of the education. I’m not even speaking of the Special Education services or costs.
Finally, I’m surprised by the selectmen, who would question any department head coming along with a program to justify it to the full extent. This is when ”Leadership does Matter” and I was very disappointed in them not being able to answer questions along with members of the group that brought the petition. This process reminds me of one nationally where a program had to be passed so we would know what was in it. How did that work out?
Come voting day I hope many will join me in voting No on this petition article.
Butch Estey
Peterborough