Current student against STEM academy
I am a rising senior at Morgantown High School. I am writing to express my opinions on the new school, the Renaissance Academy.
One of the obvious objections I have to the construction of this new school is that I will not be around to experience this new opportunity. While this may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I think it kind of disqualifies the “seasoned” voters on this topic, especially those with children who have graduated or will graduate before the completion of the building. They may not be able to see the potential benefits that this new source of education could provide to future students of Monongalia County. These future students could have many new doors opened to them in the STEM field that have yet to be revealed to today’s students. This blindness in the older parents could be one of the limiting factors to this expansion of education.
My other objection to the construction is that there are many other, more beneficial, ways this massive sum of money could be allocated. Eighty million dollars in Monongalia County could be used to improve our already-existing schools, which could benefit more than a select group of students.
The county could hire more teachers by providing a larger salary for all of our teachers, thus motivating more people to seek a job in education. A higher pool of applicants to choose from means that our county could raise the bar for the quality of education that all of our students receive, not just a select few for a specialized school.
While the production of this new school would certainly have many benefits for our students, the money required could be better used to provide more opportunities for the entire student population.
Colin Petsko
Morgantown
Hilda’s legacy lives on in Rosenbaum House
I appreciated The Dominion Post coverage of the 25 years of service to West Virginia families provided by the staff of the Rosenbaum Family House.
Hilda Rosenbaum, the Morgantown businesswoman who initiated the RFH, would be smiling! Her kindness, generosity, vision and dedication to family and community lives on through the facility, the work of the RFH staff and the quiet comfort of numerous parents and children who have been helped. Let us all continue to support the next 25 years of this caring, important and noble legacy!
Lee Petsonk
Mount Morris
Ramps at I-68 Exit 7 finally being repaved
Apparently, the persistent complaints from motorists have resulted in the long-awaited paving of the exit ramps at Exit 7 of Interstate 68.
I am certain the motorists who travel through this area daily are thankful they no longer need to dodge potholes and swerve to miss chunks of broken concrete that were scattered along the road.
Although I am very appreciative of this major improvement, I hope that the section between this area, Exit 7 and Easton hill, could be milled and paved in the near future, which is long overdue. Just to mirror the ramp project would be fantastic.
Much needed progress is being made on Van Voorhis Road, which should create a much safer way for students who choose to walk or ride bikes to class. Lights and sidewalks will be essential.
Thanks to the contractors and/or the DOH.
Ron Lemley
Morgantown
