Board needs to consider timing

To the editor:

Two years ago, when the school corporation last publicly held meetings to close Pennville Elementary, the effect on the students was evident in the resulting ISTEP score of a D.

Last year, there was no public discussion of closing the school and the resulting ISTEP score was an A.

After hearing and seeing the emotional impact the closing of a school has on children, I believe it will be evident again this year.

Teachers try to curtail the discussion of the upcoming decision, but the fear (worry) is in each student. Students who were in attendance at the Feb. 7 public meeting were crying and speaking up against school closure.

This is great; however, having this turmoil close to testing time will have an impact. The school board and administrators need to realize this effect and avoid the timing of controversial subjects that effect the children.

Measuring a schools success has been tied into the students performance on a test. Students must perform well because it will represent the schools success. Grief at the thought of losing that school will cause the students to inadequately perform. Grief that could be similar to that of losing a loved one.

The school board and administrators need to realize this effect and avoid the timing of controversial subjects that effect the children.

Rita Kerrigan

Portland