To the editor:

Re: “Salkind, Turney see consolidation in new light.”

What we have here is a typical case of political back-pedaling.

I find it amazing how “circumstances in the district now are much different” now that our board members are not running for office. It is sad how quickly promises to children are broken by those who should be setting the best of examples.

It is true that we have some economic difficulties in our district. It is also true that these difficulties are also in our homes. One of the bigger arguments is that elementary school closings will save money I believe the figure was about $1 million a year. With the proposed DLR plans it would take at least $25 million (Not including SOFT costs) to save $1 million a year. I’m no math genius, but that says to me we won’t see any REAL savings for at least 25 years. Unfortunately this figure does not represent the options being proposed at the secondary levels.

The people of Lawrence and the school board have better things to do right now than think of ways to waste money on things that have little (if any) positive effect on our students and community. Our focus should be on excellence in academics through structured, uniform core curriculum. The federal government is requiring this so why aren’t we talking about that instead of the buildings our students attend? The board is wasting its time and ours. If members want to change facilities around, they need to step back, start over, and take a look at what is reasonable and functional.

Scott Fullerton,

Lawrence