To the editor:

I find myself unusually compelled to respond to the front page article indicating that breaking the contractual obligation with Thornton Academy Middle School will save the community $4 million or so over seven years (“Cutting TAMS ties may save $4M,” Feb. 5).
Perhaps I can’t argue that there will be some savings related to pulling out of TAMS, however, I believe it is reckless at best to tell the community these kinds of savings could be had before a meaningful budget is put together and provided.
I want to see a comparison showing total costs associated with breaking this contract plus total operating costs associated with moving children, to what the total costs are to send the children to TAMS today.
For every year there is a savings claim there should be a corresponding analysis. Class size is also an issue that should be addressed in this analysis. Is the savings going to come from a higher student to teacher ratio?
I would also add that to speculate TAMS will close if the census declines, and that children from Arundel who want to go won’t be able to, is a bit premature. Remember. TAMS is a non-profit orgnaization, not a government entity, with an infrastructure that could support private students willing to pay tuition. Once there is space available they will probably fill these slots.

Linda Dickson
Arundel