To the editor:

South Whidbey School Superintendent Fred McCarthy has faced two years of falling local enrollment in the district. Even worse, the state budget funding for schools is less predictable by the day. McCarthy’s two predecessors at the top dithered while the schools’ funds management weakened. So we should laud McCarthy for pushing the district to act to reduce costs aggressively while it has time.

And yet, the haste and the narrowness of the solution — close Langley Middle School — has more the character of a corporate downsizing than an educational plan. The school board’s plan, theoretically, is to pump $25 million to $40 million into the South Whidbey High School facility to make a dual-population high school/middle school. As a voter, I first was shocked that this staggering bond amount would be proposed in a deep recession. Then I cynically wondered if it were a clever attempt to divert LMS parents’ attention and concern from closing that facility.

Finally, I familiarized myself with LMS, its three gyms, modern science labs and numerous athletic fields and outdoor spaces. Costs aside, I realized voters could not duplicate the quality environment at LMS for $25 million to $40 million, and we don’t have to. We own the place already.

The plan to enlarge SWHS would give the middle school access to one gym, restricted outdoor areas and two athletic/sports fields shared with high school students. And the multitude of community activities and evening sports at LMS will be no more. For $25 million to $40 million, the district voters will save $300,000 to $500,000 per year in LMS costs. But the board has never asked staff to find other ways to save this money. Worse, LMS students will be consolidated into the high school whether or not there are upgrades.

While the school board’s prime concern is money, we the community need to realize the coherent staff, harmonious facilities and age-appropriate identity of LMS will be lost permanently without community concern and involvement. Quick and messy savings from LMS will not meet even current aspects of the middle school program.

In talking to middle school teachers and staff, I’ve realized this is truly a bad idea, which needs much more public understanding and concern. We need to demand the school board find the determination to consider other savings instead of sacrificing South Whidbey’s educational opportunities.

George Rusch

Clinton