The following editorial submission appeared in our local papers in November, 2008.

 

The Appoquinimink School District realizes that these are difficult times. We are in the midst of a recession whose length, scope and effect have yet to be fully realized. It is crucial to maximize our resources, do more with less, and demonstrate to parents and the public that we are responsible stewards of their investment.

 

This is not an easy task. We operate in a demanding environment where rapid growth - between seven and ten percent annually - has tripled our student population during the past ten years. It's a situation made more challenging by a state school construction formula that did not envision, and cannot adequately serve, a fast-growing district like ours.  While we have always focused on the positive aspects of growth - new schools, the latest technologies in our classrooms, talented employees, supportive parents and magnificent young people - we cannot ignore what the Workforce Housing Ordinance could mean to a district that is already growing by more than 500 new students per year.

 

The County's recently approved ordinance provides developers with the opportunity to double previously approved density for new home construction in the MOT area without adequately addressing the consequences of such action. Recent reductions in school funding from the State and the very real potential for additional cuts in the near future, coupled with the economic realities of a recession make it unlikely that our community could fund the new schools required by this growth. It is for this reason that Appoquinimink School District officials and board members are joining with members of the community to voice their concern. We also feel it necessary to state that we agree with the intent of the law and feel that the effort to ensure affordable housing is commendable.  What we oppose is the recent change in county regulations that permits an increase in population density without the proper infrastructure to support it.

 

Until the issue of unrestricted growth and its impact on our schools has been addressed, we call on our county officials to repeal the section of the ordinance that permits increased density, and ask that they communicate in a direct fashion whenever new developments or expansions to existing subdivisions are under consideration.

 

In return, we will communicate loudly and clearly about our concerns regarding school capacity and infrastructure. We will continue to work with our state's elected officials on legislation that promotes sensible growth.  We will insist on increased support from developers in order to establish a more equitable impact fee - one that supports the true financial impact of increased student enrollment as we struggle to construct new schools, buy books, supplies and hire teachers.

 

Most importantly, we will deliver on our pledge to serve our community by maintaining a quality school system. Good schools don't just build a brighter future for children; they keep our neighborhoods vibrant and safe, improve property values, and enhance the quality of life for us all.  We cannot afford to allow the quality of our schools to diminish and we cannot afford to loose the focus on excellence for even one moment. Our young people are counting on us to do the right thing, and the right thing to do now is to build a school system and a community in which they will want to live and raise their own children.

 

Tony Marchio, Ed.D., Superintendent

Edward Czerwinski, Board President

Edna Cale

Joanne Christian

Julie Johnson

Donna Skinner