In response to “Keep junior high open” (Dec. 20) in which Patrick May shared his personal views of the Butler Junior High School.

The writer stated that its central location, ample classroom space, broad stairways and high ceilings are key to a good educational plant. The central location with its drug fueled crime, lack of parking which is compensated for with taxpayer funded leases, no room for safe parent drop off or pick up and no grade school playground are also part of that package. Red brick for red brick, the experts never designed the Junior High School for an elementary school.

As we were told in a recent board meeting, the taxpayer funded study by Thomas and Williamson found that overcrowding would result with all district wide 4-6 grade students being bused to the junior high school, so why is this plan even an option?

Perhaps the Butler School District is counting on a number of students withdrawing from the public school system, as will be the result if the K-3 consolidation plan moves forward.

Also, the logic that gives support to a lead-and-asbestos-era building contradicts itself when it seeks to close much newer grade schools based on down-the-road costs.

It is good to live in a community where parents’ angst of the future of their progeny dictates their concerns. These are taxpayer parents seeking the best value for their tax dollar and as such deserve the writer’s respect.

The Butler Area School District needs to accept its responsibility for doing nothing to address the gradual declining student population to this point. The Butler Area School Board has to understand its fundamental priority is the student first as decreed by the National Association of School Boards. Those making the decision need to represent the majority consensus.