LETTER: Too much money is spent for off-island students

I question our educating 248 off-island students, 133 of which make up nearly one-fourth of high school enrollment. We are hiring staff to escort students to three ferries several times a day, and, of course, extra bus runs. Our expensive new high school (which we did not vote for) is larger than need be. This school and the proposed athletic improvements may be helpful in recruiting students to the island. How much tax money are these students bringing for building improvements?

December 16, 2015 4:30 am

I question our educating 248 off-island students, 133 of which make up nearly one-fourth of high school enrollment. We are hiring staff to escort students to three ferries several times a day, and, of course, extra bus runs. Our expensive new high school (which we did not vote for) is larger than need be. This school and the proposed athletic improvements may be helpful in recruiting students to the island. How much tax money are these students bringing for building improvements?

According to my calculations, high school enrollment has only increased by 129 students in 45 years (since 1961). Why were we asked to build this large school and are now expected to pay for yet more athletic facilities?

Possibly improved scholastic performance by high school students is due to hand-picked, non-local students, not improved academics offered here.

— Susan Lowrey