Our say: Shifting students far less expensive than new schools

September 29, 2004 Wednesday

SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A12

LENGTH: 426 words

HEADLINE: Our say:Shifting students far less expensive than new schools

BODY:
IT CERTAINLY is ironic that new schools have become a bartering chip for developers planning to build in this county.

In west county, Crofton leaders have asked developer Cookie Halle to build a long-awaited high school in exchange for the community's support for his rubble landfill. In Annapolis, school board member Konrad Wayson has suggested that developer Erwin Greenberg build a high school to accommodate anticipated enrollment from his redevelopment of the Parole shopping center.

School capacity is as important as roads in accommodating growth. Developers are legally bound by the county's adequate facilities ordinance to provide for the impact their projects will cause on the community. But that does not absolve government of all responsibility.

In fact, the school system must keep a broad view of classroom needs rather than focusing on the impact of a single project. Are new schools really needed - or just better use of the present buildings?

All people want a better education for their children, and convenient, well-managed schools play a big role in that. However, is it reasonable for taxpayers to foot the bill for new schools when some are underenrolled? Addressing the volatile issue of redistricting will not be easy for school board members, but the discussion is necessary before determining what new schools are needed.

Although busing students has been avoided for the past decade, the current school board has shown a willingness to rekindle the discussion. Several board members have asked the superintendent for enrollment figures and have asked why money is being spent on additions when nearby schools have open seats. Officials estimate there are 10,000 open seats in county schools.

A good example of waste is at Meade High School, where there is room for additional enrollment. A significant addition is planned at Arundel High even though it is only 5 miles from Meade. Parents cringe at the thought of having their children attend another school because it may not have the academic standards they seek for their children or it may not be as well-equipped. If school officials intend to redraw school districts, they need to assure parents that this is not the case.

Wholesale redistricting was last studied in 1994, when the school board made changes at 37 schools. It is appropriate for the current board to take another look at changing growth patterns as they relate to 2004. Before we make demands on developers for expensive new schools, let's first take a harder look at what we have.