Parents Rally for Academy Heights
Taylortown resident Carolyn Radcliffe speaks during the PTA meeting. Hannah Sharpe
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With one of the county’s top-performing schools on the chopping block for budget cuts, parents are organizing to stop that from happening.
Parents at Academy Heights Elementary School are trying to present a united front against Superintendent Susan Purser’s budget proposal that includes a measure to consolidate the county’s year-round school program and close the K-5 elementary school at the end of the year.
Purser submitted the item to the Moore County Board of Education Monday as a part of $8.2 million in budget cuts, saying that the school’s 70-year-old building needs to be closed, saving the system $500,000 a year.
Students at Academy Heights would have the option to continue the year-round program at Southern Pines Primary and Southern Pines Elementary, or they could choose to attend schools located in the attendance areas near where they live.
Since learning of the proposal, parents have been calling local and state representatives, signing petitions, handing out fliers and creating a Facebook page called “Save Academy Heights,” which already has more than 400 followers.
Purser was meeting with parents to hear concerns and answer questions at West Pine Elementary School Thursday evening, after The Pilot’s press time.
On Wednesday, parents gathered in the school’s gymnasium for an emergency PTA meeting to prepare for the meeting and to discuss the group’s appeal to the Board of Education.
The school board will hold a public hearing on the entire budget proposal at 6 p.m. Monday at Carthage Elementary School. The second half of the meeting will be dedicated to the Academy Heights issue.
Many parents said they were stunned when they heard the news via a Connect-Ed voice mail from Purser sent Monday evening. Letters were also mailed to students’ homes.
Timing Questioned
At the PTA meeting, parents wanted to know why they weren’t notified sooner.
“We were flabbergasted,” PTA president Carol Ray said before a crowd of parents.
Parents questioned the timing of the announcement and wondered if there had been any consideration of the school’s upcoming spring break when the meetings were scheduled.
Some said they were left scrambling to change plans to be present at the meeting with Purser, the public hearing and the board’s scheduled vote on the budget April 4.
“The main rub on this has been that no one has been given any notice,” Ray said. “We were given no warning. The way it was handled was terrible. This is a big, big decision.”
Purser said Monday that she and her staff, along with the members of the Board of Education, are willing to address parents’ concerns in efforts to maintain an open dialogue.
Something ‘Special’
Ray stressed that every parent needs to get involved to preserve the great synergy among parents, teachers and students that makes Academy Heights so successful.
“It’s about the recipe we have here,” she said. “There are going to be great teachers wherever we go, but what we have here is special. We have a right to keep that.”
Parents received information packets containing the contact information for the Board of Education, as well as local and state representatives.
Ray emphasized that the members of the Board of Education are not to blame for the proposal.
“But they are the ones that we need to convince to stop it,” she added.
Ray advised parents to ask the board for another option or at least more time so that the PTA could have the chance to see if other alternatives are available. She added that parents should leave the two Southern Pines schools out of the debate.
“We’re not knocking Southern Pines or any other school,” she said. “We chose to come here.”
Parents raised concerns ranging from how the closure will affect class sizes at other local schools to whether or not the Southern Pines schools can effectively accommodate students with special needs.
One parent asked how the decision could impact the system over the next five years as more families move to the area.
“We want answers,” Ray said.
At the end of the meeting, parents hoped that Purser would have solid data to address their concerns.
Maggie Bonecutter said she hopes Purser will be able to explain why Academy Heights needs to close, despite the school’s high performance academically.
“It’s all happened in a vacuum with no opportunities to find an alternative,” she said. “I want to see why Academy Heights, why other alternatives weren’t considered.”
She said she believes that with the school’s closure, the school system would lose a proven model for success.
“To now extinguish that model is detrimental to all public schools in the county and the state,” she said.
‘Proven’ Success
Bonecutter says it took three years to get her daughter, Lydia, enrolled at Academy Heights, which has long waiting lists. She is a second-grader.
The system has kept school enrollment low ever since Academy Heights opened its year-round program to 250 students in 1996.
“My goal was to have her come here as well,” she said, glancing at Lydia’s 2-year-old sister, Sophia, scampering around on the worn gym floor.
If the school is closed, Bonecutter will have to send her daughter to West Pine Elementary, which she calls an “undesirable” option because of its traditional schedule and its lack of an academic record as a brand new school.
“It’s just not Academy Heights,” she said. “Their success rate is not proven. Ours is.”
She added that she has serious concerns about the school already being close to capacity, despite the fact that it opened in a brand new facility this year.
Bonecutter says a year-round program is more beneficial for her child because it improves the retention of information and gives her daughter a chance to refresh her mind during breaks every five weeks.
“Students are more prepared,” she said. “It’s conducive to a good learning environment.”
Jan McCoy, another parent of a second-grader, is protesting the measure despite the fact that she and her family are relocating to Massachusetts before the next school year. She said there is no comparison to the level of parent involvement at Academy Heights.
The school’s PTA raises more than $30,000 each year to help fund school activities and has made several contributions to the school over the years, including purchasing new playground equipment and installing Smart Boards in classrooms before the school system purchased them for the rest of the county.
“These families have worked hard for this school,” she said. “Where are their efforts going to go?”
Loss to Community
Taylortown residents are also concerned about what would become of the school building that represents so much history for the community.
Resident Carolyn Radcliff spoke at the meeting, emphasizing that the school is an integral part of Taylortown’s identity that cannot be lost.
“When you say ‘Academy Heights,’ it goes deeper than what you will ever realize,” she said. “This building may be old, but it was built on a solid foundation. Academy Heights follows a long story behind people in this community.”
Academy Heights was built in 1934 to serve the area’s black students in first through 12th grades up until desegregation.
“We appreciate you all coming to this community,” Radcliff told parents. “We love Academy Heights. We love you, and we love your children.”
Thursday morning was a typical day as parents dropped their children off at school. Students rushed to greet friends and hurried to class just as they always do.
Green was the day’s festive color as students tried to avoid getting pinched on St. Patrick’s Day, but several students also came to school sporting orange and black — the school’s colors.
Students even wore shirts that read, “Save Academy Heights.”
Contact Hannah Sharpe at hannah@thepilot.com.
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Comments
dtb 2 years, 2 months ago
One point of clarification. This article states that the year-round schedule has "breaks every five weeks." The schedule is 9 weeks on / 3 weeks off, with a 5 week break in the summer.
I do think that there is some benefit to this schedule but studies refute it. My child goes to AHES and to me, what makes this school special is the teachers. I beleive that if this same team of excellent teachers taught our tight knit "family" at AHES on a traditional schedule you would see the same excellent results. If the BOE decides to go ahead with the school closing we need to make sure that they find a home for our teachers and teachers assistants.
peacemaker 2 years, 2 months ago
Agreed! Placement of the teachers is the priority. The students will continue to be educated but the teachers have little job security right now. The anxiety is high and finding a placement for the AHES is my biggest concern. I know my children will be successful no matter where they are.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
We're happy that everyone there loves the teachers but you must understand that all teachers in MC are highly qualified and your children will probably be taught by some of these great teachers, just in a different school. If you are able to keep the school from closing it will result in teachers losing there jobs because that $500,000 is going to have to come from somewhere. That probably doesn't matter , as long as you keep your school but you must realize that this isn't just you saving your school, there are ramifications.
pinehurstmom 2 years, 2 months ago
They need to think about what is best for the county as a whole, not just their little utopia. The kids will be fine at any one of the other great schools in Moore County.
MooreNorth 2 years, 2 months ago
phmo and school teacher~ Why do the other schools not rank as high as AH?
peacemaker 2 years, 2 months ago
I am an AHES parent and I support keeping AHES open but not at the expense of the reputation of the other schools/teachers in Moore County. The truth is....AHES has predominately upper/middle to upper class families which automatically put the students at an advantage in the classroom. They come to school having had more experiences, more opportunities and most often more help and support at home. The teachers and assistants ARE wonderful but the students are often high achievers which translates into higher test scores. It is unfortunate that every school doesn't have the same parental involvement as AHES. I'm sure the teachers at the lower performing schools wish that they had half the support from their parents as AHES. It often makes all the difference. Teachers in Moore County schools are all provided the same staff development, have virtually the same materials and use "best practice" teaching strategies. I am confused and miffed at the notion that people don't see the that these high performing students will continue to be high performing wherever they attend. Their intelligence doesn't change...just the setting. The main concern here should be placement of these fine AHES teachers. Any school in Moore County should be honored to have them. In addition to the teachers getting placed at alternate schools it would be encouraging to know that wherever your child ends up attending you will provide the same hands on support that you have at AHES.
pinehurstmom 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you Peacemaker-well said!!
2teachisjoy 2 years, 2 months ago
I agree peacemaker....and ditto....well said!
twocentsworth 2 years, 2 months ago
Well said Peacemaker! I have a child that attends West Pine Elementary and we have been very satisfied with this school, even though "their success rate is not proven". Last year when the parents of Pinehurst Elementary and West End Elementary were facing changes of having to placed at a new school, I do not remember all this fuss being made. And our kids are doing just fine.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Ditto here! Came from PES and love WPE! We are greeted every morning and every afternoon the teachers and principal are outside saying good bye to the children. It was an adjustment to start a new school but we have had nothing but greatness and happy times at WPE! My child has straight A's and is excelling there!
shelbykathleen 2 years, 2 months ago
I agree!
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
Well, where to start? A majority of students at my school come to school many days with NOTHING to eat at home, their only meals are provided by the school. They come to school some days in pajamas because they don't have clothes to wear. They are struggling to learn the English language, all of this before they walk through the door. Then after school they go home to a house where many times their parents don't speak English, so they can't get help with homework. Many also come from homes that don't place a value in education. I teach 3rd grade and have had parents tell me that they won't make their children do homework because they're not going to finish school anyway. All teachers in MC care, were all highly qualified but some schools in this county serve a different population. The parents are the reason AH succeeds, these children will succeed anywhere. Some children in this county however are at a disadvantage before they the bus even picks them up. If your not aware of this you should spend a day riding around parts of this county, other than Pinehurst.
MooreNorth 2 years, 2 months ago
My kid went to Elise. MooreNorth, get it? I was just looking for that one sentence,"The parents are the reason AH succeeds" However, the second part of the same sentence is not completely true. Environment is a big part of the equation. To close a school with this record makes no sense. The building itself is the reason given, but we can build an aux gym at Pinecrest. Unbelievable!
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
Another problem with the school is the size and age and the ability to expand and the time it would take to expand. Many of these expansion projects need to be planned for years before they actually happen. The blueprints need to be drawn, approved and planned before anything can happen. My guess is the expansions and improvements made have been planned for years. Once they are planned they go through with them because they are paid for with bond money that can only be used on capital improvements. With the building of new schools near AH, the writting has been on the wall that it would close eventually. There was rumor of closing years ago but it didn't happen but it was going to happen eventually, especially with the economy the way it is. Find out how long they have had plans for the expansions at Pinecrest, I know they just didn't plan them this year, its been years in the making.
special_needs_parent 2 years, 2 months ago
Please stop telling me that my child would be successful anywhere he goes. I have a high functioning autistic child that is in a normal classroom thanks to the teachers and staff at AHES. This was not always the case. We are military and have been at several schools. Nothing compares to this school. Not only is my child successful at AHES, he has made the HONOR ROLL thanks to these teachers. I can't help him do that with an hour or two of homework. The teachers helped my son acheive that and he never did that at the other schools we attended. Change can cause significant challenges for my son. Enough so that the military was willing to let us stay in Pinehurst so that we would not have to more schools in the middle of Elem. School. Too bad the county doesn't seem to feel the same.
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
I spend much of the day in other parts of the county... I have 3 children who attended 3 different schools.. I know that some kids are poor, mine is by no means wealthy. So you are saying, poor kids arent smart?? " the parents are the reason AH Succeeds." What are you saying here, teachers dont matter. I believe that involved parents help but I also know that my child goes to school and needs very little help with homework because she has a teacher who teachs during the day...
noname 2 years, 2 months ago
there are some chilren at AHES that don't get breakfast in the morning and have terrible home lives at well, just because they have money does not mean they do not have problems. Many have parents that work long hours and have other care providers and they still grow and learn and pass the eog tests! Also teacher are losing their jobs if AHES is closed. Every single teach who works there has no gaurentee for a job next year. That is where the 1/2 mil come in 410,000 is salaries. So in reality, if these teacher are hired at other schools, then all the distrist is really saving in 90,000. In the long hall, it will cost more than than to shut the school down.
girlymonster 2 years, 2 months ago
We are not against the other schools or knocking their capabilities but since our "utopia" is the one being targeted, we have no choice but to defend ourselves. We don't want any teachers to lose their jobs - or anyone for that matter, but cutting budgets and closing school doors are two very different things! The whole county will be affected- we AHE parents realize that. We are trying to stay positive for the sake of our children but I for one can't just roll over and say OK- take it all from us. Especially because we have had such success at AHE and pour love and support into it daily.
peacemaker 2 years, 2 months ago
I was at the meeting last night and many of the statements were not positive about the other schools. Children were there and it is unfair to subject them to thoughts that the potential school they will attend is sub-par. We need be careful how we speak in front of our children. I DO NOT want my children to feel superior to the students that they may be in class with next year. Fighting to keep the school open is a worthy cause (that I support) but not while demeaning the other schools that are made up of valuable staff and students. This "fight" should focus on maintaining a year-round program in Pinehurst and securing staff positions. To keep focusing on the high marks of AHES is not helping, it's hurting the cause. Every time someone states " the highest performing school" as the argument, it implies that AHES is the superior comparison. This is not only offensive to the potentially receiving school communities it shows your unwillingness to look beyond test scores. Schools are much more than a number. As the old saying goes, "you draw more flies with honey".
2teachisjoy 2 years, 2 months ago
Wow, peacemaker. You are spot on! Thank you for being willing to be a well reasoned voice.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
But you are knocking other schools! All of the comments being made are putting other schools down. A comment from the very first article saying"slumming in SP" what do you call that? AC is not in a better area at all! There is success in all the schools not just AC!
weteachers2 2 years, 2 months ago
Many of you are talking about the tight-knit community that exists at AHE. Is it not possible to establish a similar type of school culture, but in a diffrent building.
Taylortown culture? How many Taylortown residents actually attend AHE?
I wish this parent group the best of luck in persuading the board to allow them to keep a school that is highly segregated.
irkim13 2 years, 2 months ago
"Taylortown culture? How many Taylortown residents actually attend AHE? "I wish this parent group the best of luck in persuading the board to allow them to keep a school that is highly segregated." I wonder how many attend as well and if most do not why not? how segregated is Pinehurst Elementary? If it is not segregated as much why don't more minorities attend AHE?
In my opinion it is all politics.
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
I think AHS is a wonderful school and I wish all MCS schools could be operated the way AHS is operated. However, there are certainly many advantages AHS has over the other schools in MCS that lead to its success. The comparison with other public schools is not a fair one due to AHS being run like a private school (charter like?) with selective enrollment, small class sizes, low enrollment numbers, high achieving students, extremely active parent community, a generally positive and supportive home environments, etc. There is a great deal of research that shows that most private schools continuously out perform their counterparts in public schools for very similar reasons, especially the parent involvement, I feel that if other MCS schools were run similar to AHS their scores would rise significantly. Pinehurst Elem is only a few points behind in their ABC scores without many of the advantages.
My guess is that it costs more per student to operate AHS due to smaller class sizes equaling a higher payroll and a smaller number of students to spread basic operating “fixed” costs. MCS can not afford to operate other schools with the same cost structure. I think the issue is that with all the reduction of revenue to MCS they have realized that they can’t afford to finance AHS in the manner it has been operated. It is too bad that all MCS schools could not be operated in the same manner. The AHS formula works but it may be too costly for today’s budgets. Can the PTO come up with hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to financially assist . . . probably not?
My hope is that AHS stays open but I feel that it is a near certainty that it will close. Dr. Purser is an intelligent and political savvy person and she would not make the public announcement of a "possible" closing if it wasn't nearly a done deal. If it does close, my hope is that the parents will join with the parents at the new school and stay just as involved as they are today with AHS. This will help raise the achievement level and ABC scores at all MCS schools.
I feel strongly that parents are the primary educators of their children. Student achievement is directly correlated to parent involvement. Yes, quality teachers count and, yes, resources help but parental involvement is the main component. The home environment does also play an important role in student achievement. Parent expectations, access to educational resources, parent’s level of education, and socioeconomic status all play a role in student success. These do not seem to be major issues at AHS.
I wish you well in your efforts but if it does close I hope you will work to raise the achievement level of the new school your child attends.
noname 2 years, 2 months ago
AHES has the same class size as any other school, that is a state mandated thing, not and AHES thing.
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
Based on many parents from AHS and self reported information posted by AHS administrators and MCS there is a significant difference. The difference can be as much as 5-6 students more per class in other MCS schools.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
AHES parent's shouldn't be fighting Dr. Purser, she's doing the best with the hand she's been dealt. if you really want to make a difference you should take your activism to the State level. It is State that has cut 12 MILLION dollars from MCS the past 2 years. 12 Million might not seem like much to some of you when you are talking about state politics but to a county as small as Moore County, 12 million dollars is larceny. Teachers in this county WILL go without pay increases for atleast 6 years. Teachers and assistants will be laid off this year AND next because this isn't going to stop this year, we will face a reduction again next year. The problem is not the way Moore County operates but the way the State operates, it is the state that is taking this money away instead of making deep cuts in other areas, it's just now hitting home for some of you. Leaders in the state make promises when trying to get elected, they promise to make education a priority but when cuts need to be made they ALWAYS target education first. If you want to fight to save your childs education you should be fighting the state, because the cuts they continue to make will affect your child far more than the closing of a school.
peacemaker 2 years, 2 months ago
Indeed!
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
The county commissioners also have responsibility for proper funding of the county schools in its budget from taxpayer money. They knew and were advised well in advance that this shortfall was coming and chose to expand the JAIL by 200 federal sized beds instead of standard. Put some heat under them to come up with money instead of new fancy buildings making criminals more comfortable. It could have been done slowly a little at a time instead of overbuilding. The courthouse should have been built first to increase case flow. Again, the county commissioners should help provide for the schools and education needs. It's not all on the State.
MooreNorth 2 years, 2 months ago
Best argument for lifting the cap on charter schools could be made from reading these comments. Moving kids to bring up school test scores, that makes sense. The State is to blame, not the parents or the school system. We just need more money. Lots and lots of money. After all, it's worked so far.
HometownGirl 2 years, 2 months ago
I guess I am wondering if this was happening to other school such as the school that (school_teacher) works at would they want their parents to fight for their doors to stay open. Closing this school is NOT going to save jobs because it is clear JOBS are going to be cut just look at the proposed budget. Not to mention most teachers at AHES are tenure teacher and according to NCAE they need to be reassigned if their school closes.
Also, to (school_teacher) you tell me how you would feel if you got a connect ed call letting you know that your school is closing. Would you be supporting Purser then???? Also, when Dr. Purser came to your school she said that you would have research your own employment and interview with those principals. I can't imagine that you would want to be treated that way nor would you want your fellow teachers at AHES but the fact is they WERE!!!!!
I guess my biggest question is why aren't teachers and community questioning how top heavy we are at the central office level beside those who are supporting SAVE AHES!!! I would like for them to feel the burn and not the teachers or students!!!!
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
HometownGirl I totally agree with your post. It is my fear that if AHES closes, she will get a teacher like the one mentioned above who apparently is more concerned with AHES and Dr. Purser than educating the students in the classroom.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
Your child would be lucky to have a teacher as good as myself. The fact is that you have no idea what my qualifications are or anyone else's qualifications across the county. You are only concerned with your child and that is understandable, but you must realize that there are wonderful things going on around this county, not just at AH. Your child will be fine at another school, she'll probably have some teachers who use to teach at AH, she just will be going to school in a different building. I understand that you are upset but making remarks about things you obviously know nothing about will not help your cause. If your school closes PLEASE don't take your biased views of teachers with you to your new school, you're only doing more harm than good.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Well said!!!
momof3atAH 2 years, 2 months ago
You didn't respond to how you would feel if you got the message that your school was closing by a Connect ED voicemail that occurred 1 1/2 hours after the parents voicemail? The parents message occurred at 6:01 pm when the Superintendent was presenting it to the BOE. Why the cloak and dagger? Why over the year round spring break? Give me a break! It was disrespectful and highly unprofessional and there is a big hidden (or maybe not so hidden after reading these comments) agenda going on here.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
The fact is I have lived with a school closing before and it's not a pretty sight. My arguement is that you should be fighting the state that continues to take money away from MCS operating budget rather than fighting the people who are trying to do what they can with limited resources. You're correct, most of the teachers at AH will be reassigned other places, probably the schools where your children will attend so there should be no problem right? If your child were to stay at AH and next year they were assigned to be in Mrs. X's classroom, there should be no problem if they are still in Mrs. X's classroom, just in a different school. They will get the same education, just in a different setting. If you really want to fight take it to the state. If our state representatives knew how much budget cuts to education were affecting our community, maybe they would do something. But for a school to remain open at the cost of even more jobs or higher taxes ACROSS the ENTIRE county, it's a little selfish. There are hundreds of people across this county who are fighting to put food on their tables at night and some believe that it's fair for people in Moore county to pay $100 more each year in taxes just to keep their school open. It's a little short sighted in my opinion.
girlymonster 2 years, 2 months ago
i think they are too busy being offended by us mentioning how successful our school is and how we want to stay together- in our district- year round. Once they do move our kids they might regret complaining about us fighting for our school because they will all be overcrowded and poorly "serviced". After this I am sure all of the AHE parents will be equally concerned and supportive when they try to close the next school in our county.
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
I wasnt going to get involved in this posting, but after reading some of these posts I have to respond. First of all to School teacher,,,, not all MCS teachers are highly qualified, as with any profession some are better than others. There are great teachers at all schools in MC. But your last post was this morning at 754, shouldnt you have been preparing for teaching your students today or greeting them as they were coming in instead of posting on the pilot. Second, my child is a minority student as I am just about sick and tired of hearing how AHES is segregated, because it is FAR from it. My child is treated with fairness and with love. I have had children in 3 different schools in this county, all received a good education, but the atmosphere at AHES is different. She is greeeted every morning, as she is getting out of the car. The entire staff at AH is friendly and supportive. Third, as a parent of 3 children I have seen the advantages of year round school, if AH closes this will not be an option for my child.
HometownGirl 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you, Thank you!!!! I am tired of everyone assuming that every child at AHES is born with a golden spoon in their mouth. I too had a child at AHES and I can assure you we struggle to pay our bills like many other families at that school. We are also your average hard working family who wanted a good education for our child. I too worked with Moore County School for many years and believe in this county and the dedication of many teacher throughout the county.
However, we chose AHES and went through the proper procedure and our child was approved to attend AHES. Which meant I had to get up earlier and meet someone who helped me transport my child to AHES because I worked at another school. I also paid this person for gas and it was well worth the money which at times was hard but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
You continue to make this personal. I want what's best for the County, all children and residents across the county, not just the ones that attend AH's. You do have an option if you wish to have your child in a year round program, it's in Southern Pines. If you choose not to put your child there then the choice was yours. Lastly, I shouldn't have to defend myself to people like you who obviously only care about themselves, but I am home today because one of my children has been hospitalized and can not go back to school until Monday. So I'm sorry that on my own time I posted my opinion. I guess according to you that I'm not highly qualified to teach because I'm also a parent who has to stay home when my child is sick?? This is just another example of YOU MYCHILDMATTERS, writing about things you have zero knowledge of and making arguements personal rather than sticking to the topic at hand, just like you did in the above post. Real classy!
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
It's how YOU say things.
CSmithson 2 years, 2 months ago
@mychildmatters
With all due respect to the wonderful qualities, performance, and community of Academy Heights Elementary, it is not reflective of the racial and economic character of the pool of public school students in the area.
From the information in the 2009-2010 NC School Report Cards there were fewer than five black students out of 133 total students in grades 3-5 at Academy Heights .
That's 3% or less.
To compare:
Pinehurst Elementary: 43 of 364= 12% Southern Pines Elementary: 178 of 413 = 43% Aberdeen Elementary: 127 of 326= 39% West End Elementary: 44 of 294= 15%
Want to leave race out of the equation? How about percentages of students on free or reduced lunch.
AHES: 9% PHES: 25% SPES: 52% ABES: 74% WEES: 42%
I am not providing this information as any kind of justification for any action other than doing a better job of showing poor and minority parents the benefits of a year-round calendar, but the numbers are the numbers. I do know they are skewed in somewhat the same direction in the year-round programs in Southern Pines too.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you for posting this! This shows just how segregated this school is!
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
And how segregated PHE and WEE is...12% & 15%!! Looks like the lines need to be redrawn in the county to make things a little more even and bring a little more diversity to the elitist.
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
Not sure what your motivation here is.. I was just making a point that my child is minioriy student and is loved at AHES. They do not treat her any differently than anyone else.. You people really make me ?? never mind, >>
Justathought 2 years, 2 months ago
This information, without context, is useless. What percentage is the minority population from each respective area? Whats the respective poverty rate from each area? And lets not kid ourselves. Folks who move to Pinehurst do so for a reason and tend to be mid to upper class. If AHES reflects the population of Pinehurst, so be it, but don't hold it against it. Or are you for students being bussed to schools just to make the ratios equal.
CSmithson 2 years, 2 months ago
AHES certainly does NOT reflect the population of TAYLORTOWN, where it is located.
AHES is part of the Moore COUNTY school system. The name of the school a student should attend or the political boundaries of a municipality have nothing to do with a COUNTY school system. In fact, the only schools with town names in them are legacy schools left over from before integration and consolidation.
If political boundaries and the name of the town one lived in mattered, Pinehurst residents would not go to an elementary school in Taylortown, a middle school in West End, and a high school in Southern Pines. Southern Pines students would not be divided up among schools in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Carthage, and Aberdeen. Aberdeen students would not go to high school in Southern Pines.
Nobody has a vested lifetime right to never have their school district lines changed. Nobody has a lifetime vested right to avoid going to schools in other towns or with names different from the name of the town they live in.
Pinehurst does not have a school system
Southern Pines does not have a school system
Aberdeen does not have a school system
etc.
MOORE COUNTY has a school system
CSmithson 2 years, 2 months ago
@Justathought: You wrote: " Folks who move to Pinehurst do so for a reason and tend to be mid to upper class."
Are you saying that people move to Pinehurst because it is 95% white and because there are only 2% of the households under the poverty level in a county that is 80% white and with a 7% household poverty rate? I know a lot of families in Pinehurst and I know none of them to be segregationist and classist like you portray them to be. I think you owe them an apology.
Justathought 2 years, 2 months ago
Bit ignorant are you not? Its your words that bring race and segregation into this. People move to Pinehurst because it is a middle to higher income population with a golf culture. If your golfer, then you know the fee for properties to be part of Pinehurst resort excludes those who cannot afford it. Folks who move here chose not to move to the surrounding towns for whatever reason, but Pinehurst also has connotation with it around the country. (Think golf, if it helps) The demographics are what they are. Are suggesting we should start busing kids all over the county to make all the schools equal in race, religion, disabilities etc. How much would that cost?
momof3atAH 2 years, 2 months ago
Did you also note that this is a school of choice that is open to all (with priority going to Pinehurst and Taylortown residents). They have 14 kids from Southern Pines (per Dr Upchurch). My children are of color. We are from SP district. There was suggestions to Purser for moving K-2 as a YRP to the 100 spots at Pinehurst Elementary-which is there district anyway) and the 3-5th graders to WPE for a YRP to the 120 available spots. The majority of these kids are NOT from Southern Pines. They are Pinehurst residents. There is not even space in Southern Pines to take all these kids in the year round program. And when these kids move to the already crowded classrooms of SPP, SPE and Pinehurst Elementary there will be no room for growth that is already expected in South Moore County. Dr Purser says she never even thought of another option. Ridiculous.
teufelhunden 2 years, 2 months ago
Do people who qualify for free/reduced meals also qualify for government assistance for buying food? If so, those parents might be able to get up in the am and fix breakfast & pack a lunch for their children. Wouldn't it save a lot of $ to do away with that program???
runorbike 2 years, 2 months ago
teufelhunden, My kids aren't on any kind of food program but I understand why parents of 2 or more kids have their children to eat breakfast and lunch at school as opposed to eating at home. In most cases, the costs of eating at home is may be why reduced/free lunch kids eat at school. With the cost of staple breakfast and packable lunch foods such as cereal, milk, bread, sandwich meat, chips, fruit, puddings, p-nut butter, etc. it is less expensive for children to eat at school. My kids aren't on a program but It costs me more per week to buy enough packable food to send to school than it does for me to purchase lunches from school. Even with food stamps, etc. even folks who use them wisely aren't getting enough bang for their (and the taxpayers') buck.
CSmithson 2 years, 2 months ago
@teufelhunden If somehow the county schools were able to cancel this federal (USDA) program, all it would accomplish would be to guarantee more hungrry students at school making it harder for them to learn and their teachers to teach.
We can point the finger at parents all day, but we can't take it out on the children.
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
Point well taken. Also, the backpacks program has been helping out by sending food home with a child that needs that. Many donations and volunteer hours go into that program. This shows that people right here in our County can make a difference.
runorbike 2 years, 2 months ago
If my kids were on a free/reduced lunch program in addition to food stamps, I'd still let my kids eat at school regardless of my ability or desire to make their meals at home. And with the exception of the lazy or uncaring parent, and there are plenty of those as well, the price of packing lunches can be taken into consideration. Right now, with the price of basic packable lunch foods, such as bread, meat, p-nut butter, puddings, chips, fruit, etc. and not to mention the high costs of cereals, it costs me more to pack my 2 childrens' lunches than it does to buy the lunches at school. I''m assuming that is why the program is still viable. Even on food assistance programs, even the budget minded food stamp recipient isn't getting the bang for their (and the taxpayers') buck. :)
tina2972 2 years, 2 months ago
Okay, you obviously don't understand this program. The kids who get free meals at school often eat nothing else all day. I know because I work with some of them. For some of them, it's not that their parents can't feed them, they just don't. I can't tell you how much this comment angers me. I am in disbelief that you would rather have a child go hungry than have this school closed. My understanding is that the children in this school have mostly involved parents. I hope and pray you are just unaware of what kind of situation most of these kids are in.
teufelhunden 2 years, 2 months ago
Ok, got it. Fair question/fair answer.
native 2 years, 2 months ago
Get real.....Something is going to be cut...the money is not there...Suggest who should be cut... or dig in your pocket and cough up money for the school to be kept open......All I want is for my children to get a good education...I don't care what building it is in or who the teachers are...If I am not happy, I speak then........
noname 2 years, 2 months ago
but see that's the problem. If you really look into it, there is not much, if any being saved by closing this school. 410000 is salaries. Well these kids are going to go to school somewhere, will they not then have to open new classrooms and rehire staff? So you are looking at 90000 in operating budget. Well, you are going to have to close down the school, board it up or tear it up- how much is that going to cost?
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
After being at the meeting last night and listening to the concerns of AC parents I have to say that they have some valid concerns. HOWEVER to those parents who stood there in front of their children and put down Other schools, you should be ashamed of yourselves! It's no wonder they don't want to go to other schools. Good job thinking of your child first!
Justathought 2 years, 2 months ago
So, if your child was in a school that was rated that high, and that child was doing great, you would be ok if they closed that school? Also its a matter of pride. The parents are a very involved group at AHES and are proud of its accomplishments, teachers and staff and most importantly, its students. And the comparison to it being a family is a very good one. More reason why parents are upset. And as parents, we should be thinking of our children first. Why send them to a school with a lower record then where they are now?
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Our school didn't close but we had no choice for our child to go To WPE after being at PES because we were in the new district. We didn't put down having to go to a new school just talked about the positive and it turned out to be a great experience, teachers and staff are top notch and our child still makes straight A's! PES isn't that far behind on tests scores and it too is a wonderful school!
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
Not even a close comparison. AHES parents are now having to drive up to 20 miles to remain on the year round schedule.
And you're wrong, many of you did raise enough fuss and got the mayor involved so that the Gun Club and Village Acres are could stay at PHE. That's why there are empty classrooms at WPE.
And you're also missing AHES supporters point. It's not about diversity; race or AHES is the greatest school on earth. It is about having to choose between changing to traditional schedule or driving 20 miles for a year round schedule. But I have to admit, the more I read your and 'school_teacher' comments, the more I understand narrow minded opinions and want to avoid being in your school.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Yes it is the same. I have yet to read anything or hear anything about having to drive 20 miles. AHES complaints are centering around test scores and their wonderful teachers. The parents who got involved with that at PES were the parents from Village Acres (Gun Club) not tHe entire school.
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
@ school teacher,, I really think you are a true example of what a teacher should not be,, I dont want to know your qualifications. I know that you are probably not a teacher and if you are I think Dr. Purser should investigate as to the fact you are on the internet ALL day instead of teaching.. Furthermore, you are the one the lacks the knowledge of the qualifications of some teachers. I NEVER said there were not qualified teachers ALL over the county.. I know there are plenty of great teachers but I also know they there are some who are just there... I am concerned about my child, I am also concerned about a great staff, teachers and prinicipals.. I am also concerned that my child may end up with a teacher more concerned about themselves and causing trouble than about teaching... (hint hint)
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
You have proven numerous times on these multiple boards exactly what kind of person you are by making remarks like the one you just did. You can feel free to attack me because I voice an opinion you don't want to hear but please don't question my qualifications or what I do on my free time. Yes I have made postings today, because I am also a parent of a child that was recently hospitalized, therefor he can't attend school until Mondayso I have to stay home with my sick child today. So if you feel justified in questioning my qualifications then so be it and feel free to have Dr. Purser investigate my Internet usage on my own free time from my own home.
aloha 2 years, 2 months ago
Also @ school_teacher: Wow. Your grammar and spelling are horrible. I hope my child doesn't get you.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
That's too bad because I look forward to educating every child to the best of my ability. I routinely have a high majority of students who perform above grade level and I build lasting relationships with them and their families. I don't discriminate and treat every child in my class as if they were the most important thing and I go out of my way spending hundreds of my own dollars to make sure each student has everything they need to succeed. I have the highest expectations for every student in my class, so yeah maybe you would be better off with someone else.
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
WOW......you finally learned to use spell check. Punctuation still needs brushing up on though.
What I don't understand about you is, if you truly feel strongly about a child getting the best education, why are you so in favor of closing AHES? Jealously?
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
That's it, you figured me out. The real reason I have a strong opinion on this matter is because I am looking at the bigger picture. If there were no budget crisis I would have no problem keeping the school but the fact is that$ has to be cut and this was the outcome. The cost of keeping the school open will cost about a dozen teachers their jobs because that $ will have to come from somewhere. And I am not in favor of raising taxes on everyone for 1 school. There are plenty of people in this county that are unemployed or are struggling to put food on their tables at night. If the parents of AH can come up with a way to keep their school without raising taxes or having more teachers laid off, I support you 100%.
GoldenDreams 2 years, 2 months ago
I agree. She sure can't spell "argument" (she spells it "arguement"). That looks terrible for a schoolteacher Here's another one: "therefor" instead of the correct "therefore." I sure hope she doesn't send home much written communication! The parents in Moore County must be laughing at her.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
School teacher isn't a compound word and you also forgot your period after school teacher. I do realize that you take any opinion that's not "pro" AH and attack that person, but when your only argument is to ridicule grammar you look petty and it doesn't help your cause. I admit I did it myself but the original posters errors were gratuitous.
brownlove 2 years, 2 months ago
I dont want the school to close either but have we looked at the fact that most of the kids that are there are out of district anyway. We have children that live in the same community that the school isin and can't even get in the door. I dont think that is right???? If they are going to fuss about the closing of the school what are they going to say when they are told "we will keep it open but you have to go to the school that is in your district"?????? they will not be happy then either and you will have to close the door because they families that are being serve live in SP or Seven Lakes. You cant please everybody. Has anybody thought about how the teachers at the SPP or SPE feel. You guys have made them feel like they are not good teachers!!!! Like I said I dont want it to close but we have to think about the children. They can go at any school and learn. I dont think the princpals at the other schools would hire them if they couldnt teach.
Justathought 2 years, 2 months ago
Perhaps the issue is that AHES is the benchmark. Since others seem to not be able to reach it, we terminate the benchmark and thus set it lower. What a true disservice to all students at all the schools. The goal should be to duplicate AHES success. But just as education in general over the past decades, lets dumb it down so everyone feels good about themselves. Lest we forget that education is about learning.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
I agree but the problem is you can't duplicate parental involvement.
momof3atAH 2 years, 2 months ago
Dr Upchurch gave the numbers on Thursday night. I remember clearly him listing 14 kids from SP district. Majority of these kids ARE from Pinehurst district or grandfathered in by siblings. Get your stats right. Dr Purser told the parents of Pinehurst they could do Year Round in Southern Pines without any possibility of bussing. What a traffic nightmare for SP.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
@brown love, you are so right! Why can't the children of the Taylortown community get into that school? Is it because they hand pick which students can go there? Sure looks like it when you look at the numbers! Also, with only 250 or so students that attend the school what is the actual number of third through fifth grade students that the tests scores count for?? When compared to all the other public elementary schools I am positive that the numbers are much lower, therefore test score percentages would be higher. At this point I say keep the school open so we don't have to deal with these parents at our wonderful schools!
brownlove 2 years, 2 months ago
I am so glad I am not the only one know that WPEMom. The students there are hand picked. I also agree with you about keep the school open so we don't have to deal with the parents!!
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you @brownlove!
twocentsworth 2 years, 2 months ago
Ditto!
leftfield 2 years, 2 months ago
No doubt. I am going to start petitioning to keep this school open just so we in SP don't have to deal with these stage moms.
stang 2 years, 2 months ago
you do what ever it takes to save our school!!!!
noname 2 years, 2 months ago
AHES does not get to hand pick their students. All applications go to central office, I believe to Brian Phillips and he or someone on his staff chooses who gets in and who goes on the wait list.
twocentsworth 2 years, 2 months ago
The number of test scores is 133 according to this website: http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?Page=2&pSchCode=340&pLEACode=630&pYear=2009-2010 I agree, I would like to see them keep their school open so that we don't have to deal with the parents!
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
This is a GREAT link! 43 third graders, 41 fourth graders and 49 fifth graders. Now compare those numbers to the number of students in the same grades at PES and WEE. The numbers of students is a lot higher for each grade. So the average ratio is approximately 16 to 1 (students to teachers). Of course their test scores would be higher. And out of 133 students 122were white and they say they don't had pick their students. Makes you wonder.
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
Amen, keep it open!!! What ever the reason........good to have you on our side!
Taurus2011 2 years, 2 months ago
Do you realize that the year round program is a choice parents make? Every parent is given the opportunity to request the year round program, either at AHES, SPP or SPE. This is not a race issue, so please don't attempt to make it one. The parents of Taylortown and every other town in Moore County have the same opportunity to choose year round. They are not being denied because of the color of their skin.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
I know 3 students from out of the AH attendance zone who were admitted last year when it was supposed to be open to only residents. These children should attend another school but some how were granted admission. I'm not hating on the parents, just on enrollment procedures
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
Comparing AHS to other schools in MCS is not a valid comparison. AHS is operated like a private school and the private school formula works. Also this formula was not created at AHS; it has been around for almost 200 years. It started when public education broke of from privately run schools in the 1800s.
AHS is a “private” school because it is able to select its student body, it has a lower student / teacher ratio, it has a parent group that raises large amounts of funds for educational resources, it has a low student population, and other private school components. Due to it being governed as a private school, the scores should be higher because the model has proven to work for many years. What I continue to be amazed at is PE’s scores are only a few points below AHS (98 to 90) and PE operates as a traditional public school. Both schools are outstanding. There are also several schools in MCS that are in the high 80s and this leads me to believe, if you base a good school on testing, there are many MCS schools that do a great job of educating their students.
Another question I ask, that may not be politically correct, is why the rest of MCS doesn’t have the same school structure as AHS. Why create only one school to be a successful school (based on testing) and have others that may test at 20 or more points behind this school? The children that need the most help are in the areas with a percentage of high free / reduced lunch programs.
I would also say this (to open up a can of worms); the EOGs and EOCs are not a legitimate assessment of future academic success. So to base the quality of a school strictly on test scores is not a strong argument, especially in a state that continually falls in the lower half of the national state rankings. We have great faculties in MCS but, as has been pointed in earlier posts by Chris Smithson, NC has one of the lowest per pupil funding levels in the nation. Maybe the main issue is at the state level . . .?
Don’t get me wrong, I think the children at AHS deserve the highest level of education possible but I also feel that all other children deserve the same level as well.
I think . . . my opinion . . . the bottom line rests on finances and enrollment. My assumption (I know what assuming can lead to but here goes) AHS has a per student costs that is higher than other schools in MCS, has a plant that is in need of major work, and with only having 260 students (as opposed to over 600 in other MCS schools) integrating the AHS students into the rest of MCS is more feasible than integrating over 600 students.
As I stated earlier, I hope AHS can stay open but I also hope there is an opportunity for all children in MCS to receive the highest level of education.
BTW . . . I do not have any children in MCS nor am I an employee, in any form, of MCS.
noname 2 years, 2 months ago
AHS actually gets less per student than schools that are title one and has just as many kids per class as any other school
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
Based on self reported information of several sites AHS "brags" about around 20 students per class on average compared to 28-29 per classes in other schools.
Also it is importand to note the difference from funds / services received vs the expenses to operate.
The free / reduced lunch program is a federal program not state and much of the financial benefits are received in services and no funds are actually received by each individual school.
momof3atAH 2 years, 2 months ago
The cap was placed by the superintendent. Dr Purser told us she has no idea how much each schools get for their budgets or how much a particular school costs (which is a ludicrous statement). She also told us initially that the principals (sitting in the audience) had no idea what rooms or capacity they had available at WPE or PE and then Upchurch was able to give us exact numbers 3 hours later. I am not a math major but 98 % is 98% whether you have 50, 150 or 500. It is a percentage. AH has 2 classes per grade and classroom size is determined by the MCS board. If you have 49 kids testing in 5th grade then you have a student to teacher ratio of 1 :24.5 Somebody needs to work on their math. Also remember that they have inclusion kids in each classroom that test in an alternate format too.
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
It is not significant who places the cap.
Also 24.5 is below many, if not most, other 5th grade classes in schools in MCS. This also fluctuates depending on the grade level.
The fact remains that AHS has on average less students per teacher and there fore the employment costs of the teacher is spread across less students therefore resulting in a higher cost per student based on payroll.
There are also other basic fixed costs just required to "open the doors" that are spread across less students (260 ve 600) resulting in increased costs assigned to each student.
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
I find that your information seems to be very ill informed (per the ncreportcards.com website). For the 09-10 school year the students per class for grades 3-5 were 21, 20 and 24 per class for Academy Heights, 21,20, and 21 for Southern Pines Elementary and 21,26 and 24 for Pinehurst Elem. (of course, this Pinehurst Elem number is before the opening of West Pine Elem which removed many children from their school. So I am amazed at all the comments saying that our class sizes are smaller. Our school is smaller, but student to teacher ratios are almost identical. Just FYI.
latinlady 2 years, 2 months ago
@pinehurstmom By far one of the most ignorant statements! Our children will be fine at 'any other shcool' ? AHES is a 5 star school! What other school in Moore County is a 5 star school? We send our children to this school for a reason! Do some research before you open your mouth unless you like looking clueless and uneducated!
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
I continue to be amazed at the personal, mean, and hostile comments made by several people in these posts. Its sad . . .
BHBlack 2 years, 2 months ago
There are several posts that have incorrect information. Here are the facts, and I would suggest that you check with the Central Office to confirm:
The reason for the 250 students if because Dr. Russo (previous superintendant) put a cap on the number of students and classes at AHE...no more than 2 classes per grade.
If you have an enrollment of 48 students in a grade, then the teacher ratio would be 24:1.
The enrollment procedure at AHE is set by Moore County Schools central office. Taylortown and Pinehurst residents come first. MCS then set the guidelines for families living outside of Taylortown and Pinehurst.
Kindergarten enrollment is usually full and there can be a waiting list. Again, there is a cap on the number of students and classes.
Through attrition like the student moving or going to a different school, other grades may have openings. Enrollment guidelines for those classes again are set by MCS Central Office.
As a member of the Advisory Board for AHE a few years ago, I know of all the efforts that were made to reach out to different communities to attract a diverse student population. The year round schedule doesn't always work for every family.
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you so much for clearing that up. I was in the process of signing on to do the same. These people (i.e. WPEMom and schoolteacher) should really spend more time online doing their research instead of spending all day posting comments. Clearly their children don't attend AHES so how about finding something else to do with their day. I really am not trying to be nasty, but when my child has been home after hospitilizations (which has happened 5 times) I didn't have time to eat, much less spend all day on the computer insulting someone else's school. I'm very saddened by the ill will felt towards this school of dedicated teachers, parents and students that only want to continue their lives as usual. Shame on you for trying to find any other agenda.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
Just because my children don't attend AH that means I can't have an opinion? How about my motivation being driven because I don't want to see higher taxes or more teachers laid off. I have no need to do research but I suggest you and other parents who are so emotional do your own research as to what has been happening to NCDPI and how the loss of money affects us, because there will be more cuts next year as well. Lastly I just have to say that many are being petty, looking for anyway to put down someone who doesn't agree with you. I've heard it all, people tell me to "shut my mouth" then moving on to checking grammatical errors, telling what time of the day I should and should't be on the computer, questioning my qualifications as an educator and now you are questioning my compassion for my child because I am on the Internet while they are sleeping. When this news first broke I felt sorry for you parents but I was able to see the bigger picture of what this budget crisis is doing to the entire county, now after listening to your verbal attacks I feel sorry for you for a completely different reason. Good luck with your cause.
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
Merely in the interest of keeping the public informed properly and by someone who has actually attended the meetings (which I have including the board meeting Monday, the meeting w/ Dr. P on Thurs and the PTA meeting) I feel the need to make some numbers a little more clear. The $500,000 number that is claimed to be "saved" by MCS is comprised of "$410,000 in positions, $70,000 for utilities, and $20,000 for other operational costs." as quoted from the AHES FAQ tab on the main page of the MCS website. So to be clear, $410,000 is PERSONNEL. Whether the positions comes from our school or your school or any school in the county, we oppose it. This number does NOT include the other 90 positions that Dr P has said her budget accounts for reducing. I certainly do, after your comments regarding all the negativity you have received due to postings on this site, question your agenda. I am intrigued by anyone who feels they need to hide behind a login name instead of using their own. I hope anyone who is reading these comment sections regularly has figured out, as I have, that your info isn't based an any of the available facts but is only your opinion.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Don't you worry about what I do all day. The majority of my replies were in the evening. I have no ill will towards the teachers, parents or students from this school. In fact 4 teachers at AHES are very good friends of mine. I also have many friends with children who go there. And after listening to them all it appears that not ALL AHES teachers and parents feel that way. They would rather save teaching positions than to have their jobs possibly taken away if the school isn't closed.
Justathought 2 years, 2 months ago
Really, because the vast majority of cost savings come from cutting positions, not the building itself. So, if most of the staff is going to be relocated to other schools, where are the cost savings? Now the truth of the matters is that parents and the community at large are being lied to by Dr. Purser and the BOE. They are taking advantage of the "budget crisis" to terminated AHES. Why? Within 1-2 years, the schools will be overcrowded and another school will have to built. So where is the sense of taking this school out? And if it was really about saving positions, maybe all the education staff could take a 5% paycut if it kept everyone employed. ( Truth is, the teachers and staff at AHES really got the short dirty end of the stick on this. Is these how we reward excellence?)
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
Exactly! It is facinating to me how some of these people defend closing AHES in order to save jobs, but aren't taking into acct the $410,000 (of the $500,000 saved by closing AHES) that is employee positions in addition to the 90 employees also being "reduced" through the proposed budget. I wonder if someone like "school_teacher" will remain supportive of Dr. P if her position is one the ones turning out to be "reduced". I don't want any teacher positions cut. Not "school_teachers" or anyone else's. Really such a sad state of affairs.
Holger 2 years, 2 months ago
The parents of AHES students are not stupid people, we understand that budget cuts are necessary from time to time and as painful as they are to those impacted by them, that is just a part of life. However, as many people have bought houses, chose career paths, and enrolled their children in Academy Heights as apposed to other schools on the premis that this school, the #1.....or #4, (Does it really matter) EOG tested school in NC would be here, you can imagine the frustration. I know...... "Hey that's life", I get it......and I believe the other parents do as well, but what has been the catalyst of the conflict is the speed in which this was thrusted upon us, allowing no time for those impacted to brainstorm other paths to maintain what we all hold so dear, this beautiful house of education. Many times at the meeting with Dr Purser, the suggestions were made to give us another year, as apposed to a few months, simply to create an adaquet timeframe for all of us to make the transition. From reading these posts I see alot of grit on both sides, I love grit, it means you stronger opinionated folks won't back down if you feel your right, again speaking to both sides, if I may be so bold to simplify it.The opinions of those apposed has already been stated, so please, those who feel this is no big deal,,,,,If you, and your kids, WHOM I KNOW YOU LOVE JUST AS MUCH AS I LOVE MINE, were expected to swallow this proposed pill at the "shock and awe" speed in which we are being asked to .......would you just roll over without a fight? Let me answer it for you, NO! Again reading the posts, there are no cowards among us in this forum. Lastly, in my Gettysburgh Address approach, in regards to demeaning the other schools as to ability, or lack of ability to achieve what AHES has, I was shocked at the professional tact those at the meeting had, not only did they refrain from making those type of ludicrous remarks, but actually applauded the teachers accross Moore County, acknowledging as well that they had no doubt that their kids would be educated anywhere they went, you teachers were held in high regard and for those at the meeting you realize that. Good Night America, we now return to our prev......
hopeful 2 years, 2 months ago
I have to say I was astounded at the performance results. I was always told Sandhills Farmlife was the best Elementary School in this county, which is why I live in this school district. I love SFL, and they do a fantastic job. For the parents of AHES, I am sorry that your bubble has been burst, but education should be an "equal opportunity employer" if in fact you are part of the Moore County School System. I also know for a fact that a family not living in the district applied and had their child "accepted". This is also the child of a not so economically challenged family. It has become more apparent that this school has indeed operated on a more privatized scale, than simply just sticking to your district. I was also appalled to hear of the parents trashing the other the schools. Very evidently you checked your couth at the door. Children are successful because they want to be. Children are successful because they are loved, and are encouraged, and are supported. Children are successful when they are taught how to adapt to change, good, bad, or indifferent.
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
Well said @Drazil65! WPE rocks!
twocentsworth 2 years, 2 months ago
Well said! WPE is a great school! Hopefully AH stay open so they won't crowd our school. Although our children will have to attend school with them at West Pine MIDDLE, when they no longer have "year round" in 6th grade. AH parents really should think about that when they are putting down WPE, PES & WEE.
CSmithson 2 years, 2 months ago
I was at the hearing last year for the setting of the attendance districts for the new schools. I don't recall any criticism of other schools. The complaints from parents generally fell into two categories.
1) "I chose to live where I do so that my child could attend Pinehurst Elementary."
2) A number of parents pointed out their close proximity to PES compared to West Pine. At least one noted they had to drive past PES to get to West Pine.
If they did have other concerns, such as the perceived potential quality of WPES, they did not express them. They stayed on message.
The leadership of the "Save AHES" campaign knows what arguments serve their case the best, but unfortunately some people ignore the leadership and can't help but bash some of the other schools in the system. This bashing of the other schools is actually very damaging to their goal of saving AHES.