Polk, Harrison schools help neighborhoods

I am sitting here trying to think of an idea worse than closing Harrison and Polk schools, but, for the life of me, I can't.

I applaud Mayor Ron Corbett's strong and explicit defense of Harrison and its valuable influence on a struggling neighborhood. We need to follow his lead.

A school is never a panacea. It is not sufficient to ensure the health and vitality of a neighborhood. But, the absence of a school or, even worse, the closure of an existing school is a recipe for disarray, deterioration and desolation.

As the son of a small-town school superintendent, I can attest to the gravity a community school exerts in holding together a town or a neighborhood within a large city.

Time Czech and Mound View have earned our respect for the grit and strength they have shown. Harrison and Polk help define those neighborhoods.

I know the city is considering a moniker to replace City of Five Seasons, but “Kinda Like Detroit, Only Smaller” is no upgrade, believe me.

Save Harrison. Save Polk. And don't just talk among your friends. Please contact each school board member and point out that crushing a neighborhood is a legacy none of them wants to leave behind.

Tim Boyle

Cedar Rapids