We disagree with the superintendents plan on merging McKinley and Timken in the manner on which he intends on doing it. We want the community, students, staff, and parents to have more say and a solution that will be best for everybody.The schools not only affect students and their families but the community as a whole We feel many problems would come in the aftermath of the superintendents idea if carried out the way he originally planned. Some of these problems include but are not limited to ; sport programs, career tech classes, and building space for the students.
      Concerning sports, if we combined schools that means many of the Timken athletes would have to join McKinley sports. Competition for open slots would be difficult and many athletes may not get their chance or give up because they feel they wouldn't get a chance anyways. Many Trojans are passionate about their school pride and might resent the Bulldog team. Many athletic talent may be lost in result.
      Career tech programs at Timken are a major reason many people choose Timken. Opportunities like building tech, culinary, and video gaming aren't offered at McKinley. People who might not want to go to college or want to explore their passions hands on will be losing a lot of experience. Plus the ability to learn these skills in an actual teaching environment. These classes also benefit the community for example The Grill restaurant which is open to the community and does banquets for many events.
     For safety reasons there is always a maximum amount of students allowed in a classroom . Fire and accidents are more likely to happen in a more crowded chaotic environment . Also learning experience will be greatly affected. The McKinley building isn't built for the 3000 some students the superintendent plans on putting in there. Lockers will be hard to come by and seats in places like the cafeteria will be pack which leads to even more issues like student control
    All in all there are many reasons the superintendent's plan for merging schools is not the greatest idea in the manner he presents. Many problems and situations are created that need to be resolved and more thoroughly thought through. This needs to be considered before any final decision is made Even if they find solution to some of these issues, the people of Canton should be given an opportunity to discuss the ideas to resolve these problems

The "Bright Tomorrow" plan to merge the two high schools has many flaws.  The idea is very vague in the sense they haven't figured out confident solutions to many of the presented questions and problems before them. A heavy atmosphere has already fallen upon the community ever since the release of the news. In fact, students, parents, and others of the community have voiced their opinions in heated debates. Many people have been protesting against the merging of schools and have multiple concerns and doubts.                                                                                                 One problem this proposal creates is chaos and a negative atmosphere in the school environment. Causing such a situation will affect everybody in the school and the community. More fights, drama, and bullying will arise. Given the history of tension between McKinley and Timken, the merging will more than likely force many aggressive situations. Even though they plan on having a student to staff ratio that won't stop much of the violence. If anything it'll just happen outside of school into the community causing more dangerous possibilities                                                                               Another issue is the demolishment of Timkens pride, history, and influence. By taking on McKinley's name, mascot , and colors, they are destroying the Timken identity. Many people who have made Timken their school will now be forced to watch it disappear. Students choose Timken over McKinley for a reason. It was our first real choice as young adults. For many it wasn't easy but most important decisions are never easy. Timken seems to be the one hurting the most from this plan and it reeks of favoritism                  .                                                                                        Although the superintendent claims that this plan had a lot to do with the expensive of funding two major high schools. Yet we will still be operating two high schools. The only major changes are the location of certain students and the identity of Canton City Schools. The busing will be increased in many ways including transporting multiple vocational students over to the Timken campus during their career tech classes. Many students use to walk to Timken but now more buses will be needed to take them across town to McKinley.Consequently more busing will equal more money.                                                                                                                                 The proposal in the way it is presented seems very illogical, unfair, and flawed. More questions are brought than answers. If this idea in the way it is now planned proceeds there will be multitudes of negative impacts. Tensions have already risen. The good of the students, staff, parents, and community should come before money, sports, and publicity.                                                   

People need to understand that this isn't a bunch of kids causing issues with an adult idea. This is a bunch of students who feel like they should have a voice in a matter that concerns and greatly affects them. Many Timken students do not want to go to McKinley on the grounds they would be bullied or treated like lessers since they were originally Trojans. Pride from both sides will soon cause drama and fights. If we truly must merge we must start a new identity where everybody can start anew and embrace a new tradition. Our generation is not afraid of change. But we are passionate about unequal circumstances and unfair decisions.

I am not for the combining of schools but if it NEEDED to happen:

"Seems to me, and maybe I am wrong, but doesn't Timken have more space and classrooms. Let's add to the fact that Stark State will no longer be there. So quite frankly, if there was to be a move as fast as next year, Timken should house 10-12th grade. Then students who are in tech won't be wasting time on busses being transported back to McKinley's bldg."

"Why not build a new school which can fit all the students, has the career tech and sports benefits, and has a complete new identity so theres no Timken Vs McKinley problems?
Plus make it in the middle of town so busing is less and people can still walk or get rides there. Lots of vacant houses around Canton.

He can then give Jr. High Students or Freshman students Timken and/or McKinley or give McKinley to HOF like they want since it would still benefit the community as a whole? And don't give me the whole "McKinley history thing" cause Timken would have to do the same thing anyway.I think that's pretty fair. Plus it would solve many problems people have with this plan "