Shifting reasons behind plan to close Polk

During the last school board meeting the question was raised “Why not Garfield?”. The answer given was that Garfield School had more dots on the map (children) dispersed around the school even though it had fewer children in attendance. They also felt that Garfield had the opportunity for development while there was “no chance for development in the Polk attendance area.”

Have these people driven by Polk? There is certainly room for development! And the city has been trying to discuss options with you if you would work with them!

But instead of talking about what-ifs, lets talk about proven history. Since 2007 Garfield

has lost more than 100 students, Polk has lost four!

President John Laverty, why are you trying so hard to defend the indefensible? What is the real reason the district wants Polk closed? First it was not about money but only an enrollment and facilities issue. Then it became an issue of declining enrollment in our core schools (but the building must not be a big deal because you are going to keep it and use it yourself!). Now, this is mainly a financial issue.

Were you this clear about the issues with your closed-door committees? Did they know what they were actually dealing with, all cards on the table?

If not, can their suggestions be valued at all? If so, maybe we now understand why the public wasn't let in.

James Ware

Cedar Rapids