Elementary Questions

To the Editor:

If you have seen the TV show Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? raise your hand. For those not familiar with the show, the format is simple. Participants are asked questions on a range of topics such as math, geography, history and current events. All subjects that are taught to fifth graders.

A fifth grade student from Newtown — Andrew Gardner — asked the school board about the award of the transportation contract to All-Star as opposed to the owner-operators. He outlined all the relevant issues, i.e. the state of the economy, local connection of current owner-operators to the community and the record of performance of the current drivers. Andrew called it like it is. His family has obviously raised a very bright, engaged and knowledgeable young man. Andrew, good work!

Andrew’s questions beg the issue of how and why we got into this mess. As we all know the All-Star award was the work of the previous Board of Education and the incumbent administration. One wonders how they couldn’t figure out the impact of these issues on Newtown business owners and residents but Andrew could.

Not only did the previous school board (a/k/a Board of Idiots) and the current administration throw out an 80-plus-year-old system of school transportation; they did so despite it serving the town well and obvious public opinion to the contrary.

Now All-Star is looking to alter the bus routes. That wasn’t part of the deal. They bid based on the status quo. This is the case despite Superintendent Robinson’s argument that recent budget cuts are driving this change. Who does she work for? I submit that she should look closely her next pay check. Unless I miss my guess it will say the Town of Newtown on the front.

Changing the routes will do two things, first lower All-Star’s cost basis and secondly make life a little more difficult for parents. If All-Star wants to change the route then their price to the town should reflect their lower costs to fulfill the contract.

Of course, to understand that concept you need math skills, and understanding of current events and a historical perspective. Andrew Gardner has clearly shown that he understand these things. Since we have no visible evidence the school administration is smarter than a fifth grader, the concept is probably lost on them.

I think the current school board’s recent efforts to show the administration that they aren’t running their own fiefdom are commendable. Their next job is clear: if All-Star can’t fulfill this contract as they bid it then they are in default and the Board of Education can act to reopen the bidding process.

RP Gottmeier

13 Antler Pine Road, Sandy Hook                                 May 5, 2012