I would like to understand why Panther Valley School District is looking to spend 1.5 million on a solar field when they have joined a lawsuit with other schools for more funding?

In an article dated Nov. 17, 2021, it is reported in their lawsuit they had personnel and their attorney testify under oath.

Quote “the districts presented screenshots showing less flattering aspects of the elementary school building: damaged ceiling and floor tiles, and a water-damaged courtyard with a pump which someone has to manually turn on to prevent rain from flooding classrooms. McAndrew said it was emotional to see things like a handicap ramp which can’t be used because it’s structurally unsound.”

And in another article dated Nov. 18,2021, a teacher testifies quote “Yuricheck said that her fifth-grade girls currently only have access to one toilet for a total of 60 students. She recalled that while teaching at Panther Valley Elementary a decade ago, there were holes in the ceiling of her classroom that let daylight in.

The building has no air conditioning, so temperatures can top 80 at the beginning and end of the school year.”

So with all these issues at the elementary school, I ask why is this school wasting money on a possible solar field and not using money to fix the problems at the Elementary school?

As a taxpayer I am disgusted with the way this school district double talks about not having money to fix essential projects and then does an about face after the lawsuit testimony is over and wants to spend money they do not have on a project that is not essential.

Obviously, it is nice to have a want list, all of us have one. But when you go and sue the State because you proclaim you District is poor and needs more money for the basics and to fix an elementary school then your Want List needs to be put on hold.

Stop wasting taxpayer’s money and fix the needed projects at the schools. And do not raise our taxes for a Solar Field!

Celeste Bybel

Summit Hill