Vote intelligently

To the editor: Residents of Warwick or Greenwood Lake, voting for this school proposal will see no tax reduction. Greenwood Lake’s superintendent will improve the K-8 program with savings. Warwick’s superintendent intends to use added revenues to expand programs. Example: Bringing the present instrumental music program down to the fourth grade level, currently at fifth grade. Do we need these expanded programs? Although we are told that Warwick has room for the incoming 300 students, at the presentation, one student told of crowded classes, sitting on radiators. What is the truth? The three-year contract has now morphed into a six-year contract and there is no talk of exit strategy. Greenwood Lake’s superintendent clearly said they are looking for a long term relationship. Will we be able to change the situation once it is in place? My answer is no. Tuxedo High school will be closed with 80 percent of its students leaving. What is the likelihood of the remaining 20 percent joining Warwick? When the real estate market turns up with an influx of students, will we be able to exit Greenwood Lake students? Where will they go? Surrounding districts might not be amenable to additional enrollment. I think the state will step in and say, Warwick needs to keep the students since they are the closest district. Are we prepared to make a permanent decision regarding these students? Let’s take the time to delve into the “what if’s” that Dr. Greenhall says cannot be done. This is a serious issue that the joint boards have studied 20 months. Taxpayers have been given two weeks to decide without the necessary information. Deanne Singer Warwick