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Smackdown causes a stir in Wilkes-Barre

Letter to the Editor: New school for Wilkes-Barre Area would be too costly financially and in other ways

As we&#8217;ve read in the newspapers, the fate of Elmer L. Meyers Junior/Senior High School is still uncertain. Once again, there has been talk about closing Meyers, though the latest feasibility study states: &#8220;Despite the settlements, the steel and concrete framed superstructure appears to be in sound overall condition.&#8221;Yes, there are cracks in the facade, but it&#8217;s masonry work, not starting from scratch. It can even be a learning experience for students seeking a trade.The latest feasibility study cites that a new school will cost at least $100 million. So, even with the grant, there will be a huge district budget shortfall. And that doesn&#8217;t account for the demolition/upkeep/security of the vacant high schools.We overburdened taxpayers need to show the board that Wilkes-Barre still wants our community schools. And not just because of money.Study after study extols the virtues of smaller, neighborhood schools &#8211; from pride in the surroundings, to better education, to lower busing and gas costs, to more access to activities.Crime and drugs are major topics in the news these days. Yes, police can gather up offenders, but we need to stem the tide. Ask any expert how to do that, and they will say to start early and get children interested in team sports or any other out-of-the-house enterprise; open their minds to sports, music, art, theater, debate.I&#8217;m not saying that the city doesn&#8217;t have these. The Catholic Youth Center, YMCA, Jewish Community Center and other groups do a wonderful job of engaging residents. However, when it comes to any kind of at-risk student, we need to consider the path of least resistance. Wilkes-Barre now has three junior and senior high schools that host after-school activities, within walking distance from home, preventing kids from being bored and, for lack of a better term, getting into trouble.Wilkes-Barre&#8217;s schools are also filled with potential mentors, another way to stop crime before it starts. I tutor students who look up to strict coaches and compassionate teachers. These committed people really do make a difference in children&#8217;s lives. I was one of them. Dr. John J. Kurpis gave me the self-confidence I needed to become a writer, not a lost soul. I know I&#8217;m not the only one.Saving Meyers, GAR and Coughlin is not only about the buildings. It&#8217;s about communities. It&#8217;s about support systems. It&#8217;s about small schools and the added benefits they bring to a community with very little added effort. It&#8217;s about people.Robin ShudakWilkes-Barre