Al Olson: Surplus shows it was unnecessary to close Grand Lake Elementary School

To the Editor:

It was disgusting to read of the East Grand School District’s $804,000 in increased revenue, which would have easily covered the exaggerated cost of keeping Grand Lake Elementary School operating. And we find out just as school is starting.

This only reinforces our conclusion that the closing was not financially necessary, as we were told. Indeed, the superintendent can now “take a breath” while Grand Lake families spend over an hour every day getting their 5- to 11-year-olds to and from the buses. When the weather turns, it’s difficult enough for the older kids. It can be downright dangerous for the younger ones.

We are reminded of the following: 1. Grand Lake was ready to provide the additional funds supposedly necessary to keep GLE open. 2. GLE was given the highest rating for elementary schools in Colorado while Granby Elementary was rated only average. 3. As expected, Grand Lake has lost some young families, and several former GLE students are going to private schools or being home schooled rather than attend GE. 4. The manner in which the closing was done reminds us how Obamacare was passed.

Considering the sorry state of elementary and secondary education in this country, we need school administrations to build on schools that excel, not eliminate them. Buses should be bringing students to Grand Lake instead of going the other way.

Al Olson

Grand Lake