For the sake of decorum, and because we don't trust the motives of school board members who trust Professor Erika to perform any function beyond emptying the litter box (and her cat's, too), we thought we'd wait until tonight's school board meeting was actually finished to report that there'll be no school closings for the 2009-2010 school year.
There was a list of recommendations presented. That's all we know at present. Your views are welcomed.
Tuesday A.M. update: C-J coverage
I caught just a bit of the meeting.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting being scolded for knowing what the word "secrecy" means.
The importance of school board elections couldn't have been made much clearer. If we've learned anything, it's that.
Congratulations to all who demonstrated their commitment to neighborhood schools. If anyone was in doubt before that the residents of our urban core know political action, their doubts are relieved.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fair to say that the vigorous activism swayed the superintendent, the board, and the committee (whose recommendation we still have not seen?).
Most of all, this is good news for the children, not to mention for property owners whose investments grow in value each day.
what super news.
ReplyDeleteI attended last night's meeting. The decision to close Silver Street and/or Pine View would have been made last night if the community hadn't gotten organized and publicized what was really happening behind closed doors. Way to go, downtown New Albany!
ReplyDeleteHowever, ot is a temporary victory, as the issue of school closure will be revisited again next year.
The pompous arrogance of certain school board members underscres the importance of electing certain officials out of office. They were outright insulting. At no other time have they so obviously shown they expect the community to give them carte blanche to do whatever they want and they expect us to accept what they do AND like it!
I was a member of the RFR. I am also an advocate for and resident of our historic neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s next, to me, is what is most important. We all need to stay engaged, aware, and in communication with the school board and school administration. We need active participation in the 10 year vision planning that Dr. Brooks recommended. While I don’t believe there’s a 10 year vision for our historic neighborhoods (should there be?), I’m assuming that everyone would agree that neighborhood schools would be a part of the vision.
To be perfectly honest, if all of our schools had stable enrollment and consistent performance, it’s unlikely there’d be discussion of closing any school. The health and stability of our neighborhoods and schools are directly linked.
Let’s get the conversation going and keep it going about how to address and correct the problems.
A good first step would be for anyone interested in mentoring or tutoring a student to contact Jerome Costner at the school corporation - 812-542-2112.