Dear Editor,
Frankly speaking, I don’t believe there is any other hope for us with our school budget than what we can do together as a district. Albany is totally out of control. Another politician, a Republican leader this time, Dean Skellos, has been arrested on corruption charges. There are sure to be more. It’s like an epidemic.
We should realize that if, down the road, we are forced to merge with another district (our governor’s not so secret desire) our school taxes would significantly increase. They always do. The district with the lowest taxes pay more, the district with the highest ends up paying less, and that is just the beginning.
Also, we would no longer have our own area school. We would lose our “identity” and the pride that comes with being “Tioga”. All the history of our accomplishments including academic and athletic would be lost as well. It is very doubtful that a merged district would ever be as accommodating to our community as our own has been. (Actually it is a certainty they would not.)
If we are forced into an austerity plan that strips away jobs, eliminates sports, the pool, certain courses and extra curricular activities and negatively affects academic performance, (and how could they not?) The repercussions are going to be significant. What affects the school really impacts the community in many ways, none good.
Tioga is very unique, I believe, in making the school available to the community. All youth programs depend on the availability of the facilities. Public meetings are held there and community fundraisers, such as the T.C. Fire Company’s annual pancake supper and benefits held to aid families who have suffered tragedies, use the kitchen and cafeteria. Putting the school off limits will negatively “impact” the entire community in ways we cannot imagine.
By now all the false statement made in the paper and on Facebook, etc., should have been exposed for what they are. Lies of the vilest kind. But, in case you have missed them, let me clarify two of them.
Tioga’s academic and athletic achievements are held in high regard. The numbers prove that.
1. You should know that Tioga ranks in the top 100 of New York’s 423 upstate schools, at #94. Bear in mind that we achieve this while spending less per student than any other district in the county.
2. We do have a football field and we are defending Section IV Class (D) Football champions for the 4th consecutive year.
So what is the real issue here anyway? I’m guessing it may be frustration. There is so much wrong in the world today and there is so little any of us can do about it.
I don’t agree with this but I do understand the frustration. We need to stand together for the sake of our children, and each other actually. Don’t fall into the trap that Albany has set for us. They may be greedy, but they aren’t stupid. They have an agenda and if we are wise we won’t take the bait.
Sincerely,
Doug Graves
Tioga Center, N.Y.
