By J.B. Sims
A motion to open a center for struggling students was passed in a recent Muscogee County School District (MCSD) board meeting. Various details and issues surrounding changes to the summer school program this year were also discussed.
On Feb. 20, a plan initiated by school superintendent David Lewis was filed in a motion (5.03) by board member Kia Chambers and seconded by Vanessa Jackson. The plan would initiate a new Literacy and Numeracy Center for struggling kindergarten through 2nd grade students.
In a unanimous vote, the board favored the motion, which would include under-performing students in grades k-2, coming out of four schools:
– Dorothy Height Elementary
– J.D. Davis Elementary
– MLK Jr. Elementary
– Brewer Elementary
Brewer will be the hub for the Literacy and Numeracy Center. There were limited details surrounding the plan and its launch. A request for more information on the new center has not yet been answered.
Questions regarding the motion to consolidate MCSD high schools for the summer “Credit Recovery” program were also covered. Offered system-wide, “this would consolidate schools during the summer program in order to reduce the budget,” said Chief Academic Officer Keith Seifert. According to Seifert, this decision was vetted and agreed upon by MCSD cabinet members and regional chiefs in education. The high schools that will be combined for the Summer program are:
– Spencer High School
– Kendrick High School
– Columbus High School
– Northside High School
– Hardaway High School
– Jordan High School
Although transportation is provided for the program from kindergarten through 8th grade, High School students are left to manage their own way to summer school. “In neighborhood schools, it’s easier to walk to school to take advantage of the program,” said District 4 board member Naomi Buckner. “With the schools being so far apart, what kinds of issues can arise? Will it affect things like graduation rates?” Buckner asked.
Another question was raised regarding the possibility of students doing virtual learning to curtail any big transportation issues, making it only necessary to travel to and from school to take tests in the presence of an educator/proctor. All questions and ideas were recorded for later review and consideration. Other pertinent issues such as internet availability were also discussed.
In the meantime, MCSD continues to look for ways to foster better and more valuable educational outcomes for the students and families that make up the community it serves.
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