The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1958-11-13
JOUR
MAIL BAG
WRITER is CONCERNED
OVER SCHOOL DILEMMA

Wv LIN oShooL DAALhsAA
The committee for Consoli-
dated High School want to thank
the voters who supported the
proposed consolidation.
Also l personally want to
make a few comments. Although
the consolidation was defeated,
taking into consideration that
history of consultations show
they are generally defeated the
first time, the results should not
be too discouraging. 1t is appar-
ent that many voters were max
ing no attempt to answer the
question of how we can best
provide adequate schools, but
their vote was decided on selfish
personal interests, that it would
increase taxes, that they might
lose their present high schools,
or past feuds and differences
between Caldwell and the county
or just plain indifference.
1t is understandable that a
community should take great
pride and interest in their local
high school. But when that high
school is not providing the educa-
tional facilities that the chill
dren need, then the interest of
the children should come first.
After all, the schools are for the
children, not the adults.
Voting against consolidation
because it would increase taxes
was selfish and unrealistic. 1t is
shameful that the children in
this community are begrudged
an additional SIS or $40 a year
for adequate schools. It is
unrealistic because the schools
in all districts Of the proposed
consolidation do not meet state
standards. And whether you like
it or not, you are going to be
required to provide adequate
schools Most communities have
recognized this and are volun-
tarily merging and providing
better schools. 1t is regrettable
that the majority Of voters in
our districts cannot recognize
that their schools are inadequate.
The schools suit them and are
good enough" We must get
across the point that it is not a
| question of what suits them, it
| is the problem Of providing
better education for our chill
dren. The majority of voters
won't recognize this fact and ar-
parently don't care.
1t is disappointing that the
| majority of the voters in these
| school districts are unable to put
the interest of the children first
and furnish the best possible
schools and look to and invest
in the future. By defeating the
proposed consolidation they
have gone backward. They have
deprived the children of educa-
tional opportunities that are
desperately needed and con
demned them to second class
. chools and second class educa
tions. If you don't think it i!
second class education, don
take my word for it, just ash
q few of the boys and girls who
are coming out Of our preSen
! high schools and going on tt
college or the boys and girls wht
are coming out of our higf
schools and going into jobs com
, peting with better trained people
!, from modern, up to date higl
=, schools.
There is an old saying, "If a
, first you don't succeed, try, tr.
J again" To all of you who work
ed, supported, and voted for con
= solidat;on, that is what we mus
, do. 1t took McConnelsville fou
, years to get consolidation. W.
i, have just worked one year
Don't settle for second best
Until a better plan is proposeC
and you are convinced it is
better plan by fact and reason
e continue to work for the pro
|. posed consolidation. It deserve
j your support.
i William n SamDle