As strong supporters of and advocates for the village of Pelham and Pelham Manor and the Pelham school system, we want to express our opposition to the “Princeton Plan” or “Paired Schools” plan that is currently being discussed for the four K-5 elementary schools.
We understand that we are facing a significant budget deficit for the 2012-2013 school year and that changes will need to be made to address this issue; however, we feel very strongly that making such a significant change to the structure of elementary school education in Pelham is not in the best interest of Pelham taxpayers and the community in the short or long term.
Moving to the “Princeton Plan” or “Paired Schools” plan will create a substantial logistical and transportation burden for families in Pelham. Furthermore, the change will risk lowering property values throughout Pelham as we forsake our esteemed neighborhood schools, which are highly desirable for new families with young children moving to Pelham.
We ask the Board of Education to consider the strong community opposition to the “Princeton Plan” or “Paired Schools” plan when putting together the 2012-2013 budget.
