Whenever two government entities lock horns over large chunks of money, it is inevitable that, eventually, one side or another is going to break out the lawyers. And that is exactly what happened Wednesday afternoon, as the Fairfield County School District announced that they had filed a lawsuit to prevent the Fairfield County Treasurer from remitting payment on their behalf to the Chester County School District for the education of children living in the Mitford area.

The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a recently signed law, which mandates said payment.

Yet, for all the posturing and rhetoric surrounding the Mitford issue, the one variable omitted from the equation appears to be the most important variable of all – the welfare of the children.

At no time during the press conference, and at no time during any of the discussions on the matter by the Fairfield County School Board, did anyone ever mention what might be in the best interest of those who will be impacted the most – either by enforcing or overturning this new law.

Sadly, these students are the casualties of a disagreement between adults.

On the one hand, if the law is upheld and enforced, a significant amount of money will flow out of the Fairfield County School District and into the Chester County School District. It is worth noting, however, that the amount is considerably less than what the Fairfield County School District will pay to keep them here, in terms of per-pupil expenditures.

On the other hand, if the law is overturned, the money stays in Fairfield County, and the Mitford children will be relegated to a bus ride of 45 minutes to an hour each way.

Is this better for their education? Is it even better, financially, for the Fairfield County School District?

Furthermore, the board chairwoman could not directly answer how much this current lawsuit could cost the district. Yes, the suit asks that the district be reimbursed for its expenses, but even should a court rule in their favor there is no guarantee they will be compensated.

It appears, then, as the matter grinds forward, those with the most to lose are the ones no one is talking about – the children.

If there is a silver lining, it is perhaps that, for the first time in living memory, our school board is finally united about something.