Warwick voters should support Greenwood Lake

To the editor: On Dec. 12, voters from both the Greenwood Lake and Warwick Valley school districts will vote to determine if Greenwood Lake high school students should attend Warwick Valley High School on a tuition basis. In my opinion, the Greenwood Lake voters have the tougher decision. They must weigh the many advantages and disadvantages between the Tuxedo and Warwick districts, and then must determine which district will best address the needs of their students and their community. For Warwick voters, the choice is easier: We will have the space, Tuxedo has been duly considered in the plan and it will save us money while allowing us to broaden our programs. Based on recent demographic studies, there will be plenty of room in Warwick going forward to accommodate Greenwood Lake students. Overriding demographic forces created by the “baby bust” will more than offset in-migration of students drawn by residential development. As good neighbors, it is important to also consider the Tuxedo School District. Phasing in the movement of students over the next four years will impact Tuxedo, but the impact will be gradual and predictable so that Tuxedo administrators can plan around it. Also, with the recent approval of the 1,195-unit Tuxedo Reserve development, there is no guarantee that Tuxedo would continue to take Greenwood Lake’s high school students. The economic benefits are clear. Greenwood Lake will enjoy significantly lower tuition and Warwick will gain a predictable income stream to be used to lower taxes and improve programs Most importantly, this vote can accomplish even more than reduced taxes or expanded educational opportunities; it will draw our two communities closer together. For these reasons, I encourage residents of the Warwick Valley School District to vote “yes” on Dec. 12 to accept Greenwood Lake students to Warwick High. Kurt Emmerich Warwick Valley School Board (1993-2005)