Coordinate educational resources in region

The issue of unifying the four local school districts in our area, Fallbrook Union High, Fallbrook Union Elementary, Bonsall, and Rainbow needs some open discussion in the community.

In the years that I have been on the high school board, this issue has been often in the background of discussions concerning economic efficiency and quality education for all of our public school children.

Marc Steffler, a former high school board member who did not seek reelection last year, made an impassioned plea at his last meeting for the entire area to look carefully into the matter of unification.

During these dire economic times, a prudent look at what is being accomplished and how best to utilize our limited economic resources is paramount.

At the very least, the four school districts in the area should be able to pool its resources to preserve some of the individual programs that are on the verge of elimination, such as our fine and practical arts programs.

Additionally, administrative positions could be coordinated in order to combine services considering the reduced economic resources available.

I hope the community can coalesce much in the way our local library has been able to expand and continue to be a vibrant part of our community. Please look to see how we all can coordinate together as a region to maintain the best education for our children as possible.

Bill O’Connor

Trustee

Fallbrook Union High School District