The superintendent has recommended and the Randolph County Board of Education has approved the closure of Harman and North Schools.

Pickens and Coalton have been given perhaps at most a one-year reprieve from closure. And now the school board seeks to increase our taxes through a levy or bond to further enhance the Elkins schools.

As our elected educational leaders, you are taking the very basics from our rural communities, subjecting our children to unbelievable hardships and expecting us to share your excitement and support for increased taxes.

The arrogance and hypocrisy are off the charts. The fight to protect our children now goes to the state level.

When you believe in something, whether it is your faith, your family, or your community, you give it everything you have. Will the state board members demonstrate any more concern for our children than our county school system?

In 1990 the West Virginia Board of Education reversed Randolph County’s decision to close schools. Will they do it again?

Dan Bucher

Harman