Scholarships

[Muddlehuddle]

But now that we have Westmont and Conamaugh Valley consolidating

Psycho, can you elaborate on this for someone who is out of the loop?

Read the Tribune Democrat's editorial section....................

[kmr]

Maybe Blacklick Valley goes in with C Cambria, its been talked about for years now.

[jack daniel]

Maybe Blacklick Valley goes in with C Cambria, its been talked about for years now.

It really wouldn't be a bad idea. Just like how Ferndale and CV should merge with Jtown/Westmont. And Windber and Shade should merge together.

[Manfred]

Re-read the article. It's still wishful thinking.

[psycho]

Jack Daniel, the wheels are in motion for mass consiolidation as I write this. Ferndale and CV are first as they are the poster children for consolidation in the Commonwealth of PA if not the nation. Then goes Shanksville, Shade and many of the other westpac schools. The westpac will end up with FIVE- SIX schools at the most when it is all said and done. Cambria County will have maybe 5 high schools left including the Bishops with ONE central administration and business office for all public schools-- just like is done in most other states which faced the same problem (and stood up to their teachers union and dealt with it) years ago. Oh, it is coming and it is unavoidable. Now that Obama has proposed taxing a portion of municipal and school bond interest -- which is now 100% tax free --- he is absolutely sealing the deal. This is part of how he is going to pay for his new jobs bill. The only thing that has slowed mass consolidation is the obstructive teachers union that spent millions lobbying the morons in Harrisburg and Washington. It is still spending hand over fist to stifle consolidation progress. But at least this will lead to less money the union will have to BUY back pocket politicians with campaign contributions -- so, see... there is a silver lining in every cloud.

It is over. We need to get on board, accept it, embrace competition and allow our kids to be challenged for real -- not make believe as occurs now in many places. Instead of inventing new "awards" for themselves and self promoting themselves on billboards, public schools could better use public tax dollars erecting billboards that promote consolidation and renewed competition.

[say_oww]

Our government can't even agree on how to pay the debt we already have even though every citizen told them to get it done. How in the world do you expect something as contentious as school consolidation is going to get passed? Its just not going to happen, not without some type of compromise.

On a side note- I find it interesting to read your posts, because you seem to have a vision of how this country should be governed. However, you don't seem to really think about the ramifications of what you advocate. Basically, you say the best need challenged, only the strong should surive, and who cares about everyone else, right? Well, based upon that formula the end result of your vision is a country with a corrupt ruling class, lawlessness, and wide scale poverty. There already is a country like that - its called Mexico. Why don't you give it a try sometime???

[deepcreek]

Can't say as I agree with your point. Consolidation would allow pooling of resources to most importantly get the best academic bang for the buck. Sports as a byproduct would be more competitive and enjoyable for all. Johnstown could take great pride in having one AAAA school that can compete with the Woodland Hills and Gateway's athletically and the Franklin Regional and Latrobe's academically.

Some teachers and administrators would lose their jobs and this is unfortunate, but we can't keep pretending this is 1955 and the mills are kicking and our economy can support all the little fiefdoms (sp?).

Just truth and it will happen, and to most people's surprise the kids will prosper and be thankful it happened.

[say_oww]

It may happen on a small scale for the reasons you mention, and justifiably so. But it will not occur on a large scale just for its own sake as psycho's dramatic posts portend. That's why I clarified my statement with the word - COMPROMISE. After all, isn't that what we do in a democracy or democratic republic?

[woninthetrenches]

The thing that will tick everyone off is, a lot of students will find private schools following consolidation. All in all that is the system your trying to model with consolidation. Parents won't want thier kids to be with lower class or a diffrent background than they have.

[say_oww]

My question to any and all of you that advocate consolidation for the betterment of competition amongst sports programs - do any of you currently, or have any of you ever played a sport in any kind of recreational or adult league? If so, why? Seriously why?

The very reasons why you continue to play or attempted to play after graduation is why high school kids should have a chance to play organized sports. After all, some jerk didn't come in and contract your rec league down to three teams because you have no skills. No, they probably asked you to bring a friend or two so they would have more guys to participate.

If the classrooms are empty then you merge the schools. But you don't do it just to make a better football team.