Comments on: Decatur Superintendent To Consider Other Locations for Pre-K Classes

By: tammie

tammie — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:03:41 +0000

we don’t need trailers. we have an elementary school that we can use for our children.

By: nelliebelle1197

nelliebelle1197 — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:35:44 +0000

I still wish CSD would just admit what a freakin’ lousy job their consultant did with the reconfiguration and move on. I still feel tehre is some reluctance just to admit this. Maybe I am wrong. And there are great “trailer” alternatives – look at these “Katrina Houses” that schools can configure for their use

http://www.katrinacottagehousing.org/original.html

By: tammie

tammie — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:30:55 +0000

I agree with Don. It was one of the best board meetings that I have attended as well. Dr. Edwards did a great job of explaining her position and seemed open to public opinion. I am encouraged that Westchester is actually on the board as a potential home for the 3 pre-k classes next year. I see using Westchester in this transitional manner as a win-win situation for central office and the community. It is a less expensive and far more prudent long-term investment in a traditional school building than is spending another $75K-$100k (at bare minimum) short t-term investment in a portable one-year solution.
The community and the school system have a real opportunity here to work together and to provide safer and healthier classrooms for our pre-k kids. We have traditional classrooms at Westchester. We do not have to lease anymore trailers.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:07:08 +0000

Must give credit where due: Dr Edwards hit a home-run tonight.

Tension at the board meeting was palpable, as folks waited to voice positions re placement of pre-K trailer(s). Dr Edwards defused the tension by re-sequencing the meeting. She gave her superintendent’s report BEFORE public comments, and used the time IMHO to candidly and comprehensively present options under consideration: ECLC, Westchester and Clairemont. When it was time for public comments, the mood in the room was considerably lighter. Though a majority opposed trailer(s) at Clairemont (8-9 of 13), all the speakers spoke respectfully with a collaborative tone — they weren’t combative at all, and none waved a pitchfork (rhetorical or otherwise).

By far, this was one of the best meetings I’ve witnessed. (If I get any more effusive, this will creep dangerously into valentine-status.) Bravo to Dr Edwards, as well as to all who offered public comments.

By: Update on Decatur Pre-K Locations | Decatur Mom

Update on Decatur Pre-K Locations | Decatur Mom — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:53:31 +0000

[...] Elementary, due to a letter from a number of concerned parents in the Clairemont community. Click here to read the full article and comment stream on Decatur [...]