In addressing the need for new schools, it seems to me that County Commissioners dug themselves this hole by not having a willingness to manage, plan for or curb growth in the county in a positive way. The school board has no control over the county’s continued growth.

However, that aside, why is it the Herald’s opinion that a high school in the Archer Lodge area is any less pressing a need than another one in the Cleveland area?

Since the Herald had some suggestions for the school board to consider, I have a couple for the Herald to take into consideration.

The high school slated for the Archer Lodge area will address crowding at two of the largest county high schools — Smithfield-Selma and Clayton (not to mention, address the added growth that comes from all the new developments in the area).

You suggest considering building larger schools. How big would the Herald like to see campuses grow? Roughly 2,000 kids attend Clayton High, and another 2,000 at SSS. My guess is Cleveland is not from that number either.

High schools are looking to decrease the dropout rate; doesn’t the Herald think smaller, more personalized schools have a better chance at being successful in ensuring our students graduate?

I believe there is a need in the Cleveland area for yet another high school, but I do not believe it is any more urgent or pressing a need than having one built in the Archer Lodge area.

SARAH W. ANDERSON
Clayton