‘Slicing a live wire can only lead to electrocution’

Editor’s Note: As of Sept. 19, 364 people were members of the Facebook group, “Campaign to Remain.” Greenwood Lake resident Quinn Fagan posted a letter she sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, offering it up to be shared with others. Here is Quinn’s letter:

My name is Quinn Fagan and I am currently a student at George F. Baker High School, located in Tuxedo.
In addition to attending this distinguished institution, ranked among the best in the state by the U.S. News and World Report, I am a permanent resident of the Town of Greenwood Lake.
To say that I am unsatisfied with recent decisions made by a select few members of my town would be an understatement.
I believe that the words “embittered” and “disheartened” would be more appropriate.
For 31 years, a permeable line has been extended between these two towns; one of which has only been penetrated by reciprocal affection and equable cooperation. It could be stated that members of both Tuxedo and Greenwood Lake have been fortunate to acquire support from not one, but two communities, for the past 31 years.
However, I would have to disagree.

Synchronicity

I (and many others would agree) have come to see the communities of Greenwood Lake and Tuxedo, not as two separate entities, but as one; symbiotically attached like a heart and its veins.
Unfortunately, every few years, the Greenwood Lake Board of Education has to decide whether to renew our high school contract with Tuxedo. This year marked the end of our five -year contract, which became an invitation for debate in Greenwood Lake. Both Chester Academy and Warwick Valley High School offered to tuition the students of Greenwood Lake, despite overwhelming opposition to this idea from residents of both towns, only five years earlier.

Aid disparity

The discrepancy that has become apparent, when comparing the state of these districts from five years ago to now, is financial stability. Therefore, they saw salvation in Greenwood Lake, or at least in its residents’ wallets.
A Greenwood Lake Board of Education meeting was held on Aug. 29, where the board decided on a 22-month parental choice resolution, only involving the towns of Chester and Warwick, and not Tuxedo, despite appeals from Tuxedo supporters, who represented at least half of all those in attendance.
So, why would the Board of Education rule out a school that has become so beloved and respected by a majority of Greenwood Lake residents?
The answer can be found in two words: Aid disparity.
The state aid disparity between Greenwood Lake and Warwick students and Greenwood Lake and Chester students is subordinate to that of Greenwood Lake and Tuxedo students. Therefore, it is apparently cheaper to send us to Warwick or Chester, over Tuxedo.
Now, instead of receiving state aid at Tuxedo’s level, the aid paid will be closer to the Greenwood Lake rate. See, in an attempt to save money at Tuxedo, Greenwood Lake- rate aid was not given, but instead, the Tuxedo-rate was supplied.
Now, if Greenwood Lake students attend Chester or Warwick, the amount of state aid will increase and the money that was supposed to be saved at Tuxedo, will be entrusted in the hands of the Warwick or Chester school districts.

Waste

In the long run, no money would be saved by the state. So, my question to you is simple: How can you let a high-functioning and revered school go to waste?
I beg you to find any way to save our school; be in through the State Education Department or your own legislation.
Slicing a live wire can only lead to electrocution.
This resolution is only one lone spark to an anticipated flame. It has already been made clear that the students of Greenwood Lake, Warwick, and Chester don’t get along, so why aggravate the bull?
Greenwood Lake students belong at Tuxedo. We have become one body; one mind synchronized in function and purpose.
You can’t expect a heart to beat without its veins.

Quinn Fagan
Greenwood Lake