As I read the headlines on the proposed cuts to the budgets of the five school districts in this county, including the dozens of teachers who are expected to be laid off, I am amazed that the obvious solution to the school districts’ financial problems continues to be ignored.

I moved here from Brevard County, Fla., almost nine years ago and wanted to offer my observations.

Brevard County encompasses 1,300 square miles, includes 17 municipalities stretching approximately 75 miles north to south. There are 73,000 students in approximately 112 schools and educational centers in Brevard County. There is one school district in Brevard County, with one superintendent, one school board, and one administrative staff in one administration building that is centrally located in the county.

Compare this to Kitsap County, where there are approximately 37,000 students in 68 schools and educational centers spread out over 395 square miles. However, in Kitsap County, there are five school districts, with five superintendents, five separate school boards, with five administrative staffs in five separate administration buildings.

Get the problem? Why is so much money spent on administration and not on our teachers and students? At a minimum, why can’t some of the districts be merged based on geographical boundaries?

We need to start a conversation here about reconfiguring the school districts, so that our children are no longer the prey of these never-ending budget cuts. I implore all of your thoughts and insights on this matter. Together we can really make a difference.

Peggy Griffel
Poulsbo