Altamont Enterprise Editor:

History repeated itself at the March 7th budget forum where concerned community
members and parents presented their case for keeping Clarksville Elementary School
open. This would not be the first time that Clarksville School has been targeted for
closure. Somehow, this seems to be the solution of choice to all district woes.

The last time it was threatened, in 2003, the ultimate decision was made that since there
were more families moving into the district, it was decided to build another elementary
school (Eagle Elementary). Clarksville Elementary not only stayed open, but it was
expanded to accommodate a projected increase in population.

Now, once again, in a situation in which Clarksville has no say in the matter, the students
have been assigned in the district so that there are only 203 of them attending Clarksville.
Because of the economy these past few years, several building projects of multiple homes
did not take place. Eagle was built, and students were assigned to that school.

It might be good for all of us to know a little about Clarksville and the surrounding area:
 In tax dollars, New Scotland residents pay approximately $19,000 to educate one
student (K-12) compared to the $12,000 that Bethlehem residents pay
 Yearly, New Scotland residents contribute $4.5 million in taxes
 This represents 8 % of taxes for 4.5% of the student body
 There is the $3 million upgrade to Clarksville School that is still being paid back
 The district currently projects $3, 700 annually to “mothball” Clarksville School
 The annual cost to minimally heat and properly maintain a publicly owned vacant
school building will probably top $70,000

The closure of Clarksville will not solve the district’s fiscal problems, and will, in fact
have a detrimental impact on all of us.

Sincerely,
Ellen Schwartz, Marie Hornick, Shannon Briscoe, Elise Voorhaar, Laurie Wilson
Clarksville, New York