I read with interest the articles in last Sunday’s LNP | LancasterOnline regarding the declining enrollment and pressures on budgets of the county public schools (“Lancaster County public schools losing students faster than the rest of the state”). One article mentions districts consolidating school buildings.

Well, here is a better idea! The fact that Pennsylvania has about 500 school districts is pure madness. I would suggest a consolidation of school districts so that there would be 69 districts — one for each county and one each for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

The very existence of intermediate units is proof positive that efficiencies can be gained through consolidation. Lancaster County has 17 school districts, with 17 superintendents.

In my view, a few of those school districts, such as Columbia Borough, do not have the tax base needed to provide a quality public education, as mandated in the state’s constitution.

I understand that even to consolidate Columbia Borough into either Penn Manor or Hempfield would be a heavy lift, but I believe it’s the right thing for the kids. Many states already have countywide school districts. Maryland is a prime example.

The cost savings and the benefits to the children brought on by district consolidation would be huge. But neither local school boards nor politicians in Harrisburg have the chops to even propose such a cost savings and educational improvement plan.

I guess it will take a revolt by those who pay property taxes and parents to force our leaders to do what is right for our children and the general public.

Chip Burgess

Manheim Township

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