To the editor:
As discussions about school mergers persist, it has become increasingly evident that the notion of “one school, three campuses” is nothing more than a myth. It is a soundbite being used to distract from the reality that is dividing the district community – or should I say communities. We have three distinct schools with their own unique histories, identities, and mascots. It’s time to dispel this illusion and address the realities of the situation.
Advocates for keeping microschools open often tout their school as the best in the district, citing community partnerships that would supposedly end if their school were to close. Those community partners have not chosen to speak for themselves on the matter to my knowledge, unfortunately. Microschool proponents also suggest that busing more students to their school would magically solve all problems, touting, “let’s give school choice time to play out” as a constant battle cry. However, these arguments fail to acknowledge the broader implications and complexities of the merger discussion. And frankly, they display a willful ignorance of the results of the busing survey which showed very clearly that there would be no change if busing were different.
The truth is that maintaining multiple microschools comes with significant challenges, including limited resources, fragmented communities and disparities in educational opportunities. While preserving local identities and traditions is important, it should not come at the expense of equitable access to quality education for all students.
Furthermore, the insistence on school choice over campus choice further exposes the fallacy of the “one school, three campuses” narrative. It’s clear that each school is insistent on maintaining its own school identity while simultaneously failing to acknowledge the shared resources that are required to keep them open. Pretending otherwise is a disservice to the students, families, and communities affected by these decisions.
Those who see through the myth understand that real progress requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and prioritize the greater good over individual interests. Merger discussions should focus on finding sustainable solutions that ensure every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
The myth of “one school, three campuses” only serves to obscure the true complexities of the merger debate and perpetuate a narrative that benefits a select few at the expense of the broader community.
Mandy Spaulding
Hardwick
