Letter to the editor: Tax hike and new schools in Latrobe

Alert to those folks who may be planning to reside in the Unity Township/ Latrobe area in the future:

The Greater Latrobe School Board is considering building a brand new junior high school which would increase the property tax rate by at least 11 mills (8 mills within the first five years). This comes on the heels of a new city elementary school constructed in 2018. This board has raised property taxes six of the last eight years and now plans to replace an existing building that I saw built as a student.

This action is taking place despite smaller graduating classes and the fact that two of its existing elementary schools could be merged given less than desired occupancy percentages. Even the school superintendent has said he feels the current buildings are oversized.

Ideally, this decision is one for township and city residents to make. Does this really improve the quality of education?

I encourage potential residents to consider the impact here (the senior high is next) and residents to exercise their vote in November unless you prefer sparkling new facilities for kids used nine months a year instead of an affordable lifestyle or retirement.

Jeff Kornides

Unity