Last month I had the opportunity to listen to Mayor David Narkewicz at JFK Middle School. I congratulate the mayor for his performance and upfront discussions regarding the city’s budget and financial situation.
Two subjects really stood out — the extremely high cost to our Northampton schools due to charter school enrollment, and the idea that many wealthy nonprofits pay little to none to the city, especially our “prestigious,” well-endowed Smith College.
Charter schools are nothing more than socially elite “private” schools attended by just over 200 Northampton students. That costs the city over $2.5 million per year, a figure that is increasing. And we citizens have absolutely no say in the management of these schools. So if your neighbor has a child in any charter school, they should be thanking you for “paying their tuition” over $13,000 per student.
As for Smith College, perhaps the city should bill for any services, such as fire and police, when needed. I suggest that on opening day in September, all the Northampton teachers and concerned citizens be out in front of the college with picket signs to let parents and Smith students see how Smith treats this town financially. Perhaps Smith will not like this publicity.
Bob Gould
Florence