Parents Seeking Answers
Academy Heights Glenn M. Sides
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Academy Heights parents sought answers Thursday about why their school has to be closed During an informational meeting held Thursday by Superintendent Susan Purser.
For more than three hours, Purser stood before a roomful of parents in the West Pine Elementary School auditorium and fielded questions about her recommendation to close Academy Heights and consolidate its K-5 year-round program with Southern Pines Primary and Southern Pines Elementary School.
The recommendation is a part of a proposed budget reflecting $8.2 million in cuts that Purser submitted to the Moore County Board of Education last Monday.
Parents asked Purser why she wants to close one of the county’s top-performing schools when the amount of money saved amounts to only 6 percent of the overall cuts proposed. They repeatedly asked to see a line-item budget that outlines how the system can save $500,000 a year by retiring the school.
Purser told them she would publish the information on the school system’s website.
An e-mail sent to parents by Tim Lussier, community relations adviser, says the amount covers $410,000 in positions, $70,000 for utilities and $20,000 for other minor operational costs, such as trash collection.
Purser said that the recommendation was based strictly on monetary reasons and that closing the school has been in discussion for years as part of the system’s facilities master plan, which the Board of Education adopted in 2006.
Parents asked why there wasn’t any consideration of establishing a year-round program somewhere else in Pinehurst, such as West Pine Elementary, if it was known that the school would eventually be retired.
Purser said that in 2006, neither she nor her staff could have anticipated the significant cuts in state funding that have occurred over the last four years.
“Perhaps we would have,” Purser responded. “But this time, we’ve got to deal with the facts before us.”
The system has lost $10 million in funding from the state since the 2008-2009 school year.
‘A Big Deal’
Purser also said she did not ask the Moore County Board of Commissioners for a larger allocation of local funds because the board did not entirely fulfill the system’s request last year.
Parents believe additional local funds would easily cover the cost of keeping the school open one more year.
Some parents lamented over the fact that they have built their lives around Academy Heights to be part of the “great recipe” of parents, teachers and staff that gives their children an education that lays a solid foundation for success.
Many said they would not have the option to choose year-round school in Southern Pines because individual circumstances made the option impractical.
Julie Marrazzo told Purser that she moved to Pinehurst eight months ago so she could live closer to Academy Heights.
“I wouldn’t have moved had I known,” she said. “Now I have no options. It is a big deal.”
Several parents asked why there wasn’t enough consideration to let the Academy Heights community know sooner.
“Why couldn’t you have told us six months ago?” Leslie Berkshire-Bradley asked.
Purser replied, “Six months ago, I did not have any budget recommendations for the board.”
‘My Responsibility’
Michael Hawes asked Purser if there was anything she would do differently if she could handle the situation all over again.
Purser said that the way the system communicated information to both families and teachers could have been handled better.
“My plan was for the communication to be much more respectful of everyone involved,” she said.
Purser told parents that if the board adopts the recommendation, the system would communicate with families to let them know how to proceed.
She added that there would be no deliberation over teacher positions until the system knows where each Academy Heights student will attend school next year.
Students could choose to continue the year-round school program at either Southern Pines Primary or Southern Pines Elementary, beginning July 18, or they could attend their assigned resident school, which begins Aug. 25.
Most of the students attending Academy Heights live in the Pinehurst school district.
Of the 223 students in kindergarten through fourth grade affected by the recommendation, 64 live in the Pinehurst Elementary School attendance area and 84 live in the West Pine Elementary attendance area.
Purser assured parents that they will be accommodated wherever they choose to send their children, and students will receive a quality education.
Parents balked, saying that no other school in Moore County offers the same personalized learning environment.
Purser commended the parents’ passion to fight for the school before ending the meeting. She told them to gather their thoughts and prepare their own recommendations for the Board of Education.
She reminded them that the issue is merely a recommendation at this point, and the board has the final say.
‘Such a Small Amount’
After the meeting, Purser said she and her staff will take parents’ suggestions into consideration as the process moves forward, but she added that ultimately she still must come up with a plan that addresses significant funding cuts and preserves the quality of education for all students.
“It does come back to us to figure it out,” Purser said. “I’m not sure that I can make everybody happy, but I will do everything I can to meet the needs of over 12,500 students. That’s my responsibility.”
Many parents walked away from the meeting dissatisfied with Purser’s answers.
Heather Holloway said she was disappointed that Purser did not have more concrete information for parents.
“She’s treating us as if we don’t matter,” she said. “She doesn’t even have answers to give us. We expected tonight to have documentation that has the line items. We don’t have that.”
Mary Seaquist said she still couldn’t understand why the system couldn’t find the money from another source given the cut’s potential impact on the community.
“It seems like such a small amount of money for the number of people this is affecting,” she said. “So we’ll see what the board does.”
The Board of Education’s public hearings on the 2011-2012 budget and the school consolidation issue will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in the Union Pines High School auditorium.
The board is expected to approve a budget April 4 and present it to the Moore County Board of Commis-sioners April 14.
Contact Hannah Sharpe at hannah@thepilot.com.
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Comments
proAHES 2 years, 2 months ago
The school is old, that is for sure. The only thing the parents of this district are asking for is to keep the option of a year-round school in thier district. Not to dismantle the existing program and do away with the staff that has worked very hard over the years to get it right. They know there are good teachers all over Moore County, but you will never be able to duplicate what the staff at AHES has been able to do- they, themselves continue to work on it every year. This is not a slight to other schools, I'm sure they have some of the same things going on within thier own staff. I feel that this entire process was brought about in such a wrong way not just from a Connect Ed message sent to parents, but the staff was informed by Connect Ed AFTER parents had gotten thier calls. I also want to make clear that the $500,000 Dr. Purser is saying will save the county by closing the school- only $90,000 of that is the actual building. $410,000 is staff. That $410,000 amount should not be lumped into AHES, but go in the the line item on the budget for reduction of staff for the entire county. So, saying $500,000 is not being totaly truthful- it's really $90,000.
school_teacher 2 years, 2 months ago
$410,000 is in fact salaries, but not salaries for education staff that will move to other schools. This number is for cafeteria workers, bus drivers, office staff, etc. NOT for teachers or assistants, so the $500,000 will actually be $500,000 because there will be no need to rehire janitors, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc.
sacheek 2 years, 2 months ago
It is regrettable that any school should be closed at all in a time where education is getting so much attention nationwide, especially one that is as succesful as Academy Heights. I am for expanding programs like Academy Heights not reducing them. Unfortunately a budget crunch exists however and to continue to fund Academy Heights means cuts somewhere else. As a parent of a student at Southern Pines Primary school it is interesting to me that so many Academy Heights parents seem to think their school has some unique "great recipe" for education. The year round program at Southern Pines Primary is the same curriculum as Academy Heights. The difference in the test scores of the schools has to do with the fact that Southern Pines Primary does not get to exclude those who do not perform well through a "waiting list". It is especially interesting that several of these AH articles reference the value of the school to Taylortown. I am aware of several Southern Pines Primary students who are driven from Taylortown because they are stuck on the "waiting list" at Academy Heights. I am also aware that the "waiting list" is not a first on, first in basis. Maybe that formula for high test scores isn't so unique after all...
WPEMom 2 years, 2 months ago
You hit the nail right on the head!
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
More like "you've been hit in the head"! Your last 5 sentences are not based on fact but on rumors and you are repeating them to simply backup your erroneous opinion. But let me add to your rumor...I hear that those same students just moved into the AHES district and that's why they are on the waiting list. They tried to attend other local schools like PHE, WEE and WPE but they "cherry pick" their students so they drive across town to SOPN, the only school that welcomed them with open arms. The End.
However; it is a fact that SPE & especially SPP is full of a highly qualified, dedicated teachers and staff that teach and love each child as if they were their own. In fact, every school in MC has an outstanding, dedicated staff and I've not heard anyone say different. The AHES supporters are simply stating the great things about their school that they love so much and it's being twisted around. It's sickening to read the comments of WPEMom, school_teacher, sacheek and WEteacher who make pissy, negative comments toward a partner in a system that just happened upon the right formula for success. If you can't support them, then get out of the way.......you might be next!!!!!
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
Can't say anything to that but AMEN!!!
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
Wow, maybe test scores aren't the only reason that we don't wish to go the SPPrimary. I am still shocked at the number of people who are insisting that only "white" students do well and bring up test scores. I feel this is a very outdated and prejudicial way to view the students in our county. I think all those focusing on diversity should be ashamed of themselves. If someone feels that there has ever been "cherry picking" involved in school transfers they should take that up with the county office. Clearly AHES doesn't have many friends there, so why would they be "cherry picking" to make our school any different from anyone else. This is all nonsense.
sacheek 2 years, 2 months ago
I an not insisting that white students do well on tests. I am insisting that students from upper middle class two parent homes do well on tests at a much higher rate than poorer kids from broken homes. In our society for right or for wrong white people have higher rates of said background. That isn't rocket science, that is common sense if you look around town. Academy Heights is not some unique magical place...you take good kids from good homes with good teachers and you get a good result. No surprise there...contrary to what many post on this site though, the same thing is done at lots of other schools including the year round program at Southern Pines schools without as advanced a student body to start with. Should AH be saved at the expense of everyone else in the county getting cut? The money has to come from somewhere and the SP kids cant fit in the AH building but the AH kids can fit at SP schools. Unfortunately for AH it seems like an unfortunate but necessary decision. AGAIN THOUGH I DON'T WANT ANY SCHOOLS CUT!!! School budgets should go up not down but our society values other things more unfortunately.
MCResident 2 years, 2 months ago
As a citizen of Moore County and a concerned parent, you should make sure that the school board and central office knows your concerns, and question what will happen when SPP and SPE are flooded with students and will be at capacity in a couple years. What will happen to the year-program at that point?
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
My thoughts . . . trash them if you will but . . . instead of the supporters being on this site and making comments that anger other teachers, parents, and other community members. They should be moving past the emotional reasons as to why this school should stay open and work on a cohesive business plan that includes a detailed plan to secure the funding to keep AHS open. Certaintly others have made rude comments but they have very little to lose, you have your school to lose.
Education is a business! Present a singular business approach that is based on numbers not emotions(not having many people at a meeting giving multiple suggestions). Have one person presenting a well thoughtout plan on behalf of all the school commuity, maybe involving members of other school communities as well. The superintendent and the board members are business people, they make decisions from spreadsheets. Sure they care a great deal about the children but it is about the larger picture meaning over 2000 children not just 260. How can keeping AHS open benefit the entire MCS? How can some of the outstanding things at other schools be incorporated into AHS? How can thios ordeal make the entire MCS better?
I think it is a shame that a model similar to the one at AHS could not be developed for ALL schools in MCS. Maybe part of the business plan could be to involve other schools and parent communities to create better schools throughout MCS. Right now it has to feel like it is AHS against the world! It doesn't have to be that way . . .
Wittmer 2 years, 2 months ago
I completely agree with you. It would be wonderful if we could present one or two well thought out and studied business plans. However, that is near impossible in one week's time. We literally found this out through a phone message last Monday night and have our one chance to come before the school board tomorrow night (7 days later). Time is all we are asking for. We need time to solve this problem and present well organized ideas. Perhaps delaying this decision until next year's budget would allow for that. And again, since $410,000 of the cut is positions (which Dr P claims will be given other jobs within the county if at all possible) then we are really only talking about $90,000 that needs to be found somewhere else or taken from the fund balance.
The parents specifically asked if the "model" of AHES has been used to help other schools in the system perhaps find ideas or anything that is being done differently at this school. Perhaps teachers or administrators from other schools coming onto campus and observing to draw any useful data they might find. She couldn't state a single time that had happened. What a shame, as you said, that this can't be developed into other schools. I see no reason that all the schools in the county can't excel. I am not saying that AHES is perfect or better than any other school. I have simply said that they have a mix that seems to be producing excellent results and should be looked at and copied, not dismantled.
kiki 2 years, 2 months ago
Don't dismiss the $410k. This may ba a part of sending the AHS teachers to others schools where attritiuon has occured. This can be an actual number! You need to deal with the issues as presented by MCS.
Yes, it is a short timeframe but you can not rely on an extension. It should be a 24 / 7 activity! Maybe you can get a couple of weeks.
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
Make sure the county commissioners understand that you hold them accountable for the proper funding of the schools and education. Three of them ram rodded through a big addition 4 story 200 bed federal sized JAIL cells instead of standard by way of limited obligation bonds that don't require referendums. If they can spend near 55 million on that and a public safety complex (only about 10 million of that was for some public utilities)........surely the commissioners can find $500,000 to keep the school open. The commissioners knew this education budget shortfall was soon coming. Make sure that the commissioners understand that you will not tolerate their poor planning and lack of funding. Also make sure the school board members are making the effort for the proper funding and not holding back in asking the commissioners for that funding. Keep all this in mind when election time rolls around again in the future. It's good to see so many taking an active part in the future of education in the county. It will take lots of pulling together to make good things happen , and you do need to understand the processes that have to take place to make it happen.
bfalkens 2 years, 2 months ago
Where is the lottery money? How do we have sanctioned gambling, "designed to support education," but have no money for education?
And if the state is going to monopolize liquor sales, why doesn't that money go to education. An ABC barron makes $250,000 just to sit on a panel. Fire that fat, lazy, do-nothings and give the money to schools.
I wonder if our kids can spell "corruption?"
North Carolina's stance on education is pathetic.
slimchance 2 years, 2 months ago
Now is the time for our leaders to LEAD!
School Board members, work on the Commisioners to take a stance to improve the funding of our schools, at least a temporary increase.
Citizens, make your voice heard:attend the budget forums that are being scheduled in Robbins today, Vass 3/24, and others.
According to the Pilot article (http://www.thepilot.com/news/2011/mar...), residents will have "an opportunity to talk to the county manager and the staff about their budget concerns, "
Let the County Commissioners know how it looks when they allot some $40 million to build a new jail, but cannot help more with the budget shortfalls, and Moore County is low on the list of NC's best-funded schools.
Talk to Rep Janie Boles and Sen Harris Blake, and tell them to DO SOMETHING or get out of the way.
Governor Perdue, you courted the NCAE to help get you elected. Now do something to show your commitment to funding our public schools, so we're not near the very bottom.
We have a voice and we can influence how our leaders lead. Use your voice, and demand them to do the right thing.
Hybread2 2 years, 2 months ago
After reading the various postings on subjects relating to the closing of AH, I have a couple observations. 1. I believe the parents of AH have a reason to be emotional and upset. 2. I believe that their efforts should be focused on the state government, they are the reason why MCS is short $ and have to make these drastic decisions. I can not stress this enough, money is being cut at an alarming rate and continues to remain as the piggy bank for elected officials who need to balance their budgets. The only problem is they are mortgaging our future, investments in education need to be made if NC wishes to pull itself out of the slums of education. NC ranks 41st in the country in per pupil funding, it continuely ranks in the bottom 3rd in teacher pay and benefits and is ranked near the top in drop out rate. Our law makers think that cutting funds is the answer? If NC wishes to recruit and retain the best and brightest minds to teach our future bright minds it needs to invest in education and stop giving corporations tax breaks to set up shop in NC. ALL surrounding states pay much more than NC and have better benefits. I have a friend who went back to school to become a teacher, shes a single Mom who is now teaching in her 3rd year but still making starting salary. It's not right that after insurance and taxes that someone who works that hard only brings home $200 a week. My point is that there is much more at stake than the closing of a school. I understand it is close to home but there are families struggling to put food on the table. 3. MC should recognize that of over 100 counties in the state, MC ranks near the top in median income and near the bottom in funding per student. All because people are too afraid to rock the boat and purpose a raise in taxes to fund education. Education DRIVES this county, it is the largest employer in MC and directly effects thousands of people (employees, parents and students). 4. A survey should be done County wide to see how many people would like year round school. I live in Northern Moore county and can tell you that there are parents up here that would like to put our children in a year round school but we don't even have the option. If this option is available it should be available to all families and not just a select few. 5. An investigation should be done as to the admission requirements and selection process for AH. I know a family that lives in Taylortwon and their children are on the wait list to get ni the school yet others that live in Pinehurst continue to get priority. I'm sorry they are closing the school but there is much more at stake, cuts will continue to be made and as of right now there is room in a year round program for your children if you choose to keep your children in at SP. The staff at AH will be moved to 1 of the surrounding schools, and won't be laid off. People need to question much more than the closing of one school. Good luck parents of AH.
mychildmatters 2 years, 2 months ago
I attended the BOE meeting tonight.. The people who spoke on behalf of AHES did a wonderful job and spoke with so much passion. Tonight made me so proud to be a part of such a wonderful learning enviroment. I hope the BOE was listening..
sacheek 2 years, 2 months ago
It was obvious at the meeting tonight that AH is very important to many families in the community. The parental involvement of AH is obviously second to none (of course students who don't have active parents don't get to attend AH but that is another matter.) After all the emotional arguments were made about how closing Academy Heights would hurt the students, families, county, and even the military (weirdest one of all), the root of the problem remained overlooked. There is a budget shortfall, and to not cut AH will mean other cuts in other places. I am for increasing the budget, not cutting it but that is not reality unfortunately. The Board was elected to serve all of Moore County and not one select group that gets to pick and choose who attends their school. If AH is saved and a program that serves the county as a whole is cut then a real crime will have been committed on ALL citizens of the county. In a year when cuts HAVE to be made the needs of thousands outweigh the needs of 200.
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
Investigate how we are also taxed beyond property taxes. For example, if you have a cell phone, take a look at the bills and see if there is a Moore County telecom tax or something like that on the bill like it is on mine every month. That's a value stream tax that was stuck in there when we didn't hear anything about it. How many cell phones are being taxed in Moore County each month and what is the real purpose behind this tax? Also, if you have a cable TV bill, check that out and you may find there is another Moore County tax on that. These value added or value stream taxes are coming out of our pockets and going to the county. With all that in mind, surely the county commissioners can come up with enough money to properly fund the schools without raising any more taxes! Let them know what you think.
girlymonster 2 years, 2 months ago
cutting budget by closing ANY school will effect the whole county sacheek- not the just 270 students we want to save the YR option for. Hard to swallow that budget shortfall answer when so much is being spent OUTSIDE of education. - but that too is another matter, as is your ignorant statement about kids without active parents not getting to go to AHE
brokinwon 2 years, 2 months ago
I am a parent of children that go to AHES. We don't have money and although my children work very hard and do very well, they are not "hand picked" little genuis'. If that is the case then that should be addressed to the central office because they are responsible for who is accepted or denied transfer to the schools. I don't think that any of the parents are knocking what is being done in the other schools in Moore County, we have had other children in other schools and are friends with people whos children are enlisted in other schools around the county. Some thrive and some do not for a wide variety of reasons. We love this school, my children have thrived in this environment more so than ever before. I am glad that people in other schools take pride in what they have as well. What we are forgetting is the many other more important issues here. They are trying to close down a year round program in a school district when there is a need and a want for it. What happens when there are more budget cuts to be done down the road and they want to shut the program down in Southern Pines? It is my understanding that the board members and our superindentent are not big fans of the program to begin with. Also the staff at AHES don't already have placement at other facilities, they will have the option to apply for posistions as they become available. I think that may be difficult for them when there has been an increase in class size allowance and teachers assistant positions cut. Take the time to look over the budget, we all know that cuts have to be made but as a community shouldn't we be taking the time to work together to try and find solutions that work for us all instead of tearing each other apart? I don't think that 260+ students should be shut out. They matter just as much as every other child in Moore County.These are scary times for our educational system. Let's work together to make our system work for us.
coffecreme 2 years, 2 months ago
So do you stand with the teachers in WI?
reformgov1 2 years, 2 months ago
Not even a fair comparison. NC teachers are not unionized and make half the pay of union teachers not to mention fewer benefits. If WI teacher’s net, hourly income equaled NC teachers; they would quit and work in fast-food where they could make more. If supplies are needed, it's either PTA or the teacher's money that buy's them. If the NC teacher is can't work, the teacher pays the substitute out of their pocket. Astronauts and miners would be a closer comparison.
Bflat 2 years, 2 months ago
Let the county commissioners know your feelings on budgeting for the schools and education. After all the school board makes requests to them and the commissioners are supposed to ensure the schools are properly funded. Think of that the next time you pass by the multi million $$$$$$$ federal sized JAIL/public safety complex on McNeill St in Carthage that will be 146,998 square feet when completed. They can spend over 40 million on that and not spend on education??? Where are the priorities?
sacheek 2 years, 2 months ago
I am very worried that what you say will come true...remember that this budget proposal is a best case scenario and the next round of cuts will be even deeper. SP schools are most definitely in danger and that is why I am opposed to protecting a small group that serves a small community. If AH is kept open then cuts will come other places. AH has BY FAR the least diverse student body and the fewest kids on reduced lunch in the area. Do you really think that has nothing to do with the high test scores? SP schools have been neglected for years in favor of Pinehurst and SP schools deal with children from all walks of life (i.e. serves the entire population of the county.) Southern Pines test scores include the entire school and not just the year round program and the fact that SP schools have as high a test scores as they do is a testament to the teachers and admin there (a bigger achievement.) In a perfect world every school would have an Academy Heights level of parental involvement and there would be no kids without a stable home to return to. We do not live in a perfect world and in this world the squeaky wheel often gets the grease even if other parts of the machine are more in need of the attention. I am opposed to that outcome and that is why I keep posting. I wish your school could be saved for your sake, but I don't want the rest of ours cut to allow you guys a special deal.