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Tough times arrive for Pine Valley school

Enrollment declines are tough to swallow for area schools. Districts that have done their best to continue programs, courses and extracurricular activities – while shrinking – continue to suffer.

That fact is currently apparent at Pine Valley Central Schools.

For years, this well run district has avoided making cuts and continued a tradition of educational excellence. This year, unfortunately, is different.

To the protest of hundreds, the district is looking at cutting up to 14 positions. It is not something school board members want to do, but the district is not right-sized.

Consider back nearly 10 years ago. Enrollment numbers were about 705. Today, that figure is closer to 600. That is a 14 percent decrease.

Over those same years, there have been hardly any cuts to staffing. That is admirable, but when student numbers continue to decline something has to be done.

And that is what this board is trying to do. It is not easy. It is not popular.

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