Letter to the editor: Jeannette school merger would benefit students

I had a conference call with the state Department of Education some time ago, and the only way a merger between Jeannette City and Hempfield Area school districts can happen is if the Jeannette City School Board has five votes in favor of a merger. When five votes are received, then the board would approach Hempfield to consider accepting a merger with Jeannette.

Our school district has a 94% rate of students who are economically disadvantaged, while Hempfield has 21% of students who are economically disadvantaged. The numbers grow yearly, because families are not buying properties and placing their roots in Jeannette because of the school district.

Fact, not fiction: Our city has 60% rentals, and Jeannette has lost “so many good families due to this.” Hempfield schools have so much more to offer our children to be involved in and to excel. Approximately 75% of Jeannette’s administration and teachers live out of town. What does that tell you? I don’t blame them! They want what’s best for their children.

Jeannette is a beautiful and compassionate community. And until five Jeannette school board members vote to approach Hempfield, our children will continue to be at a disadvantage. The merger is the missing link for our city to flourish.

Please, Jeannette City School Board, make the decision to provide our children the opportunity to soar.

Curtis J. Antoniak

Jeannette

The writer is mayor of Jeannette.