The days are dwindling before a possible consolidation vote that could reshape the educational landscape in Warren County.

We still haven’t heard an argument that changes our mind that closing Youngsville and Sheffield high schools is necessary. The facts are still clear – our population is decreasing, we’re cutting electives and course offerings and the district’s finances are on shaky ground. While we understand the concerns of parents over what the closure of Sheffield and Youngsville means for their children, the school district can’t position itself for the future by holding on to the status quo. We know what the present looks like – and we shouldn’t be satisfied with the education we’re providing.

We’ve argued repeatedly over the past several months that the decision to close Youngsville and Sheffield should be made based on logic, not emotion or ad hominem arguments. The board has made a convincing case that closing schools is a path toward dealing with the structural issues facing the Warren County School District. We’ve seen the start of a plan to reshape the way we provide high school education in Warren County. We have yet to hear why keeping the status quo improves the quality of education or the school district’s financial position.

Concerns are understandable, but the case to consolidate remains clear.