Cunkelman, who was swept into office in the November election on a pro-consolidation ticket with two other candidates, testified he heard reports that as many as 50 Laurel Valley students could be pulled from the classroom and enrolled in a cyberschool program, which costs the district up to $14,000 a year per child.
“I don’t think I should be held hostage by these people when considering the whole district. That’s blackmail,” Cunkelman testified.
Estimates are that at least 30 and as many as 50 Laurel Valley students could attend cyberschool, meaning the district would have to pay up to an additional $700,000 this year.
A study conducted by the school board last year found that by merging the schools the district could save up to $1.2 million but as little as $800,000.
For the rest of the article, go to Ligonier Valley talks break down
