Comment: ‘I think it makes sense to … close some of the schools’

This week, Carroll County Superintendent Steve Guthrie said he will present options for cost savings, including school closures, as the county faces declining student enrollment and continuing costs to maintain and improve facilities.

The prospect of school closures sparked conversation among Westminster and Eldersburg Patch readers.

Have an opinion on the debate over schools? Share them in comments.

 “The schools here, while perhaps award-winning, are SO run down. Their technology is years behind - if they are allowed to use it at all (my son attends a school where the administration is anti-technology). Why not redistrict instead of closing? Why is the county losing students when housing is growing?” - Robin Nicole

“Not all schools in the county are run down. Some are very nice and others are in very poor condition, but it varies widely. Personally, I think it makes sense to redistrict and close some of the schools that aren't anywhere close to capacity and need capital improvements. It is better to have schools that are in decent condition and full but not pushing capacity rather than cutting staff positions and certain programs.” CS

“Are you kidding me???? I find it sooo interesting that Commissioner Rothschild continues to ADVOCATE for a school closing, but has not once suggested that the brand new middle school currently under construction in HIS district, be halted! WHAT A POLITICIAN!” Kelli Nelson

“If we want to influence funding, we have to participate in the public meetings and tell the school board and the commissioners what the public wants. If that's not successful, we replace them at the next election. I'm sorry this is not what you're used to. But, it's how it works here. It keeps our taxes low and our education is excellent. It's not perfect, but I'd take it over municipal school districts any day. (I spent decades in one.)” Freedom Mom

“Rothschild spouts these half baked ideas : ‘Let's close a couple of schools!’ but doesn't explain exactly how it will be accomplished. It seems as if he figures the next Board of Commissioners can solve the inevitable fallout from these grandiose plans. Someone is going to have to pay for this mess when Rothschild has moved on and I have a feeling it will be the taxpayers.” newsjunkie

“Leadership begins with someone stepping forward to lead when a need arises. A trajectory leading us in the direction of 5,500 empty seats is a compelling metric that warrants investigation, debate, and consideration. Would you prefer a county commissioner that learned of this substantial excess capacity and remained silent? I believe I would be abdicating my responsibilities to the people of Carroll County if I simply ignored this matter. Now, you and others have the opportunity to at least participate in the discussion. Right?” Commissioner R Rothschild