It's Not About Money
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Test scores aren’t everything. But they are something. And with no disrespect to the students, parents and teachers of other great Moore County schools, I submit this fact: Academy Heights is the top-ranked elementary school in the state. I could never imagine shutting down a top-ranked school as a “solution” to a budget crisis. Are we living in the Twilight Zone? If I were cynical, I would think that this was a ploy to begin the process of ending the year-round school program. Or perhaps it was a way to send high performing students to other schools to improve scores throughout the county.
My parents immigrated to this country to give me the best education possible. I have lived the American dream. Like all parents, I want that for my children. Education is the bedrock — the foundation for success. Extinguishing a successful school is never the right answer. Punishing teachers and students who have achieved excellence is egregious.
This is not about money. This is an issue that goes to the core of our priorities as a community and as a nation. Are we willing to think outside the box for the sake of our children? Are we willing to do whatever it takes for them? Are we willing to make for them the sacrifices that were made for us?
Ravikant Varanasi, M.D.
Pinehurst
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Comments
Alistener 2 years, 1 month ago
Why, indeed, should we close the “number one school in the state”? First, let’s find out why it’s “number one”. We’re going to find out that this segregated school’s students are hand-picked from financially well-off families – sitting in the midst of a minority neighborhood whose children can’t attend the school - and now it’s plastered all over the Wall Street Journal! I have followed this issue through these posts and on Face Book and I am appalled at the attitudes of AHES parents. One poster hopes all teachers get laid off and have to reapply for their jobs! Another warned West Pines teachers to “pack their bags” because the AHES teachers were moving in! AHES is “one of the few schools with teachers who will go above and beyond”? “AHES produces socially, as well as academically advanced kids”. Another wants all teachers to take a pay cut to save AHES. Posters who disagree with you are “stupid”, “nasty”, and “ignorant”.
I have never heard such vitriolic disdain as I have from the AHES parents over this issue. It is sad that legislators- who often know little about education - think our budget has to be balanced on the backs of children. I wish we were opening new schools and hiring more teachers. But AHES parents don’t seem to understand what posters have been trying to tell you – your children will do fine anywhere in Moore County because they come from supportive homes with many advantages. Our schools are full of teachers just as wonderful as the AHES teachers. If all of the AHES teachers were suddenly put into one of the schools you so disdain, their test scores would remain low - because of the disadvantaged population. If the teachers that you so disdain were suddenly put into AHES, the test scores would remain high – because of the advantaged population with involved parents. The teachers at AHES are wonderful, but no more so than any other teacher in Moore County. You have lost so much support because you don’t understand how scores are achieved or what they mean.
Clearview 2 years, 1 month ago
Alistener - You don't seem to be "listening" much at all. The WSJ specifically says "Taylortown kids get first dibs on seats in Academy Heights and that the district mails material to parents in the community to urge them to apply." AHES are not "hand picked" - children from the district (which includes Taylortown) can choose to attend, and if additional spaces are left, others from the county may fill those spots. The process is just like that at the Southern Pines year round program - which is also an excellent program. It should be noted that the SP schools average in the year-round program with the traditional schedule program, and surely if we could see those numbers separated out, the year-round program would most likely be higher. As for the comment about hoping all teachers get laid off - you have that wrong, too. I think the comment was emphasizing that it is not fair for the AHES teachers - many of whom have been with Moore County for years and at least one I know of who was Moore County Teacher of the Year in 05-06 - to have to reapply and interview for jobs. The point was it is not fair for ANY school to be singled out and its teachers forced to go through that process - the point was that if ONE school (ANY school) should have to do that - than ALL the schools should. My mother was a teacher for years in Georgia, and she pointed out that when there were drastic budget cuts that they tried to even it out across the whole county, and never was one school singled out. Trust me, you would feel differently if it was your school being targeted.
irkim13 2 years, 1 month ago
"We’re going to find out that this segregated school’s students are hand-picked from financially well-off families – sitting in the midst of a minority neighborhood whose children can’t attend the school"
and you know this how? Yes one has to make an effort to attend, a smalll one at that, to make a choice whether to attend year round or traditional. Why do you think minorities can not attend?
Alistener 2 years, 1 month ago
Face it – minorities tend to be in poverty more often. It is often because of poverty that parents can’t “choose” the year-round option – they can’t afford to stay home and keep their kids three weeks out of twelve, or afford the day-care. Wealth is relative. A two-parent/two-income family is extremely wealthy compared to a one-unemployed-parent home where food stamps and school meals are necessary just to live. But, it’s about much more than yearly income. Poverty is a cycle that is hard to break. Parents in poverty, while loving their children as much as any other parents, tend to have incomplete educations – this translates to poorer-paying jobs, more time spent earning a decent living, and less time at home nurturing their children. There is little time or money to be spent on sports, dance, music lessons, museums, play dates, vacations, and the time/ gas to run kids around. It’s not about race, it’s about poverty. While I believe the year-round concept is a better education model than the traditional, agrarian-based model, it does exclude poor children.
Alistener 2 years, 1 month ago
And please remember, Dr. Purser did not ask for the economy to tank, nor did she volunteer for these budget cuts. She was told that she had to make the cuts. As would any CEO with her priorities in order, she is trying to satisfy the budget by losing as few positions as possible. The County Commissioners need to review their priorities and consider funding education more appropriately.
poco 2 years, 1 month ago
I have not seen this point mentioned, Southern Pines Primary is a small school. Does it have the room for the additional students?
irkim13 2 years, 1 month ago
Also how do minority parents handle the year round program at Southern Pines? They seem to do fine why not in Taylortown?
Wittmer 2 years, 1 month ago
Thank you, Dr. Varanasi, for very eloquently putting into words what so many of us are feeling. I have felt for the past 2 1/2 weeks like we MUST be in the Twilight Zone. In what world does dismantling this program (AHES) make sense?
Thank you also, to irkim13, for questioning the comments of Alistener. I believe the comments that have been posted regarding AHES teachers is only asking for fair and equal treatment of them. In other words, don't fire them for a job well done. That is just insane. I really didn't think that I lived in "Crazytown" but after the events of the last couple of weeks (beginning w/ a rumor the school was closing, to a connect-ed phone call after the board meeting was already underway, to a letter telling us of our alternative choice of school which was mailed before the board meeting and in the weeks that have followed such malicious lies being circulated about our school) I now believe that I'm either in Crazytown or the Twilight Zone. Either one would make more sense than closing this school.
Make no mistake, no one is arguing the age or condition of our school buildings. They are in need of repairs. If, in fact, the repairs and upgrades are not a cost effective option, than relocating the program should be. There should be more than one year round option in our county. I agree with previous posters that there should also be a year round option in the northern part of our county as well. The point to all of this is, we must separate fact from fiction. I DO NOT BELIEVE that students are handpicked for this school. If anyone believes that or has experienced anything like it, that type of discrimination should be taken up with the county office and an attorney. Academy Heights is a public school and all district children that wish to attend are welcome within the attendence number mandated by the county. I have not seen anyone reference the fact that there are a dwindling number of elementary age children in Taylortown. Many of those living there now may choose to attend or not attend the year round school of choice.
I challenge anyone who lives in Taylortown that has applied to AHES (which everyone must do, you have to transfer in to a school of choice, even residents of Taylortown and Pinehurst) and was turned away to come forward. I want an explanation for your individual situation from the county. However, until we have some specifics I am tired of this topic being regurgitated that Taylortown kids can not get into this school.
Conflicted 2 years, 1 month ago
Poverty plays a huge role in determining who attends AHES. AHES parents take internet access as a given for everyone. I can't imagine that everyone in Taylortown has a computer, much less high speed internet access. The Transfer Request form is provided online as well as ongoing updates from the BOE about when the form becomes available and where to send it upon completion. My guess is that if you don't have internet access to download (and a printer to print it out on...) you would have to drive to the County Office for a paper copy. If you're already working multiple jobs, once again, you might not be off work during the 8-5 business hours that the County Office is open. It's very easy to say that anyone can apply to AHES. Yes, anyone can. But without the luxuries that most of us take for granted, time away from work when needed, gas to get there, internet, and a printer, applying to AHES could be quite daunting. There may be a very good reason why, to my knowledge, no parents from Taylortown have replied or posted on The Pilot message board. I don't personally know the specifics about any individual living conditions or income of anyone in Taylortown, but I'm willing to take a guess that not many of them have the luxury of trolling the internet and posting comments.
Matt_Woodruff 2 years, 1 month ago
There have been rumors for several years that the BOE wants to do away with the year round program at all schools because it doesn't make sense to keep a school open and air conditioned during the summer months for two classrooms. I see this as the beginning of that process.
Alistener 2 years, 1 month ago
WITTMER and CLEARVIEW, I don’t have it wrong; the comments I have read go far beyond asking for “fair and equal treatment”. With the exception of very few, comments have been self-centered and very insulting to the great teachers of this county. Don’t believe me? They’re in cyber-space forever – check ‘em out. And please remember, teachers are listening – your child may one day be in the class of these fine teachers that you’re bashing. Also, AHES teachers certainly are not being “fired for a job well done” – they will be reassigned to a classroom to continue doing a great job. I agree that the situation was handled very badly. Teachers should have been notified first, then parents. But taking out your anger and frustration by being hostile to people who aren’t even involved doesn’t help matters. Thank you, CONFLICTED, for seeing someone else’s point of view. Attendance at AHES does revolve around poverty. Why don’t Taylortown parents apply? As I said, it may have to do with the difficulties of finding day care three weeks out of twelve. Taylortown parents may be defeated before they begin and wonder why bother?
Wittmer 2 years, 1 month ago
I believe, perhaps, you should speak to one of the twelve classroom teachers from AHES to see what they have been told by Moore County Schools. MCS will attempt to place them in other teaching positions through attrition. In other words, as other teachers in the county retire or quit, they will allow them to apply for those jobs. Yes, this is what they've been instructed to do. To contact the principal at whatever school/schools has an opening. You know, just like all the other unemployed people in this county and part of the state.
I would also question just how many teachers that WOULD normally retire are not, due to the tough economic times. I believe that there is far less turnover from normal retirement because of this. I have personally spoken to several teachers who would have retired a few years ago if they could have afforded it. However, they must continue to teach & hope that their investments for retirement turn around.
My point is, there are fewer teachers retiring than normal. This means less jobs for these "fired" teachers from AHES to "apply" for. It is reasonable to assume that a select few will be placed at whatever schools a large number of these displaced students end up. However, since no one will no where the 265 students will end until a final decision is made and time for all parents to declare there new schools of choice, who knows? Also, I would call to your attention that Dr. Purser has raised the student per teacher ratio as part of her new budget... so there won't be as many teachers needed.
So, I stand by my previous comment that AHES teachers are being "fired for a job well done" and I sincerely hope that they are able to find another job within our great county. Otherwise, we all suffer a great loss. However, if I were them, I'm not sure I would want to continue working for an organization that clearly disregards success and seems to owe them no loyalty or the common decency and respect of informing them of this whole situation well in advance of a board meeting. Shame on you Dr. Purser! You owe your employees better.
Conflicted 2 years, 1 month ago
On the same note, test scores are important. In a perfect world, where all children came from similar homes (assuming equal nutrition, sleep, and safety) then test scores could conceivably be a good monitor of a child's progress and the school's effectiveness. However, our world and community are a far cry from that. I would challenge anyone to spend the next week like sadly some children in our community do. You get one meal a day. And not a high calorie, nutrient dense power meal. A common, run of the mill, school cafeteria lunch with frozen pizza and canned peaches. That's all you get. Once a day for a week. Take away your sense of safety, maybe try leaving your doors or windwos unlocked so you have to wonder if anyone will invade your space while you're vulnerable. There are children that go home to abusive parents that had rather hurt them than help with their homework. Try doing your homework in a language that you can't read and that your parents don't speak either. Now, at the end of the week, under these living conditions, try taking a standardized test... or just working the Sunday crossword. Chances are, you're not going to do nearly as well as you would have before your experimental week with hunger, fear, and a lack of parental support. Poverty does make a difference in test scores. Money may not buy happiness but it does buy a warm bed and a a hot breakfast. Parental involvement won't rocket up your child's scores but it won't drop the bottom out of your child's education in the same way that the lack of parental involvement will. The kids from AHES will be fine where ever they go. There is no magic formula. They are good kids from warm, loving homes and they will thrive at any school in Moore County.
Conflicted 2 years, 1 month ago
Actually, in the BOE's minutes from their meetings over the past school year, they list the teachers and staff who have retired or resigned. They also list the new contracts to fill these positions. Dr Purser said that the BOE was deliberately holding positions open over the past school year so that attrition could happen. I didn't count the exact number of staff leaving minus staff hired but it was easily more than 18 positions. The AHES teachers have already been accounted for. The positions are there. It's just a matter of reshuffling. While inconvenient, it doesn't look like they need to worry about not having a job.
carolina_girl 2 years, 1 month ago
Alistener - as one of those "hand picked well off financial families" take listen. When my children started at AHES I was a single mother hardly making ends meet, and I do mean hardly. I had to learn the process just like everyone else. As for the excuse about Taylortown children, if you haven't gone door to door and questioned 1. the number of K-5 children living in the community 2. their access to internet usage 3. their reasons for not attending - then go out and do some community service and find out, because we would all love to know the TRUE reasons/numbers. As for me, I spent the time figuring out where to send my children because I wanted to offer them every chance for the best education possible. It isn't about bashing schools, it is about numbers. As for the ability to pay for care when children are out of school, the programs offered afterschool and during those 3 week breaks and for the 5 weeks over the summer, were MUCH cheaper then paying for someone to watch my child an entire summer.
And since you mentioned it, I too do not want to be included with a small few who have obviously taken leave of their senses and done harm to the cause as opposed to good. It is about preserving what I believe is a model of what works today in our schools, but it is an all inclusive model - a model of teachers and parents and how working together with your student is what really makes a school work. The shame is not closing the school, it is not taking away the real lesson to be learned, how to make ALL of our schools flourish the way AHE has. As for the economy, believe me, I understand the harsh problems we face, and the fate of 90 jobs is certainly worth taking offense. Perhaps if instead of arguing with eachother, we could decide what a travesty it is we begin with our schools when we look to cut our budget, we could find a solution which would save our children's futures.