We the people strive for the American dream, wishing at the end of our lives to be debt-free, home paid off, kids out of college fending for themselves, but along comes “OUR” school system with an open wallet, spending OUR money as if it was THEIRS.

So let’s just contemplate a moment about what has changed in the past 100 years.

Three high schools were built — ironically the cornerstone on the first one is 1916 — those buildings, still operational. Seven elementary schools erected, still operational.

The commerce side of the tracks, the railroad gone, coal industry gone, garment mills gone, local trucking companies gone, NJ Zinc company gone. Everything has changed except to quote “OUR” alma mater: “Dear Olde Carbon County.”

Retail has morphed in place of those Icons. Wages are not stable. However for $106-plus million, we can have a new football field and a new elementary center … on those wages?

No one cares if you might lose your home and are left with a tax burden you didn’t even generate. I’ve heard a comment made, if you can’t afford it, move. Every neighboring district is the same, mortgage and rent are the same.

Show of hands … guardians and board members, is your child prepared for the next level of education? Curiously, I asked a young professional, and this was the response:

“I believe that my high school gave me the tools to have a good foundation to be successful in college.”

I’m sure plenty other testaments to our education system exist. We do have a successful system without the football field or the elementary center. The residents of this school district think that their tax bill is like their utility bills, it’s just something that must be paid, not realizing nine of their neighbors or friends generated that expense ... for what reason? As I heard quoted: “A plan just to build a burden!”

This board created a financial black hole in this district. Our kids need an education. Their parents need a place to live.

So, I’m going to ask the new board to fix this.

Byron Schnell

Lehighton