Good afternoon,
As expected, yesterday’s column on county-wide school districts drew a mixed response.
One reader described the idea as a fad that makes the rounds from time to time but goes against the long-held belief in local control of schools.
An example of that belief put into action is the affluent Appoquinamink district in the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area. Its voters routinely approve bond issues, knowing that extra taxes going into mortgage payments is far cheaper than private school tuition.
The reader conceded that the situation north of the canal is “bolloxed up” with a crazy quilt pattern of districts and charter schools that blur any sense of community.
(Help support one of the last of the “Indies” in an era of merger-driven media. Sign up today for a Delaware Business Now membership. Click here for our options)
One reader who moved here from New Jersey several years ago points to that state’s failed efforts to combine 584 school districts, despite sky-high property taxes.
Another suggestion involved simply dividing the state in two, with traditional north and south of the C&D canal sections.
A European immigrant, pointing to education systems on that continent, agreed that it is a good time to look at county districts and other options. He pointed to the current system creating “have and have not” districts that reinforce racial and economic inequalities.
A final variation is to combine non-core functions into one statewide entity. This could include one information technology system, land purchases, bus management system, etc.
The possibility of cost savings is great. It would also put districts and the state on a better footing in dealing with a global economy racial inequality and a host of other issues. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer
