First in a Series. Lengthy Read. First print, yet to be proofed and revised, before it goes to the Coalfield Progress and the Kingsport Times.
Can We Survive If We Consolidate
When the issue of Wise County school consolidation first came about. I will admit I was more up set over the lies behind it than the real issue. At first I was stunned it had been talked about. Then I was some what upset that it had been pre framed for a long period of time.
From former board's to Superintendent's it was supposedly never spoken about. Since 1994 when it was first brought up. Then suddenly one person could lie no more and said it had been talked about. Then one person had a brilliant idea. We can close Appalachia and Pound High Schools and save enough money to renovate 4 high schools. What a brain storm of an idea. At the low cost of an estimated $54 million.
Suddenly Wise County was thrust into yet another battle of turmoil. One that would eventually open a door of lies and deceit that led to the buy out, of the former superintendents contract, for half the amount that would be saved in one year of closing Appalachia and Pound High School. Ironic. Several on the school board were replaced during elections. Basically due to their inability to answer one or two questions. The main question why did you lie about talks on consolidation, and what was the motive, to keep it quiet, and then re-open it as if it had never been spoken of.
We've heard from several in the local papers on this issue as of late. From those who work in economic areas such as Lenowisco, and former board member of VCEDA, sitting on both boards at one time, to see local money leave the area, and helped to see it approved, to those who taught at our schools in Wise Co.
The first basically outlined we needed consolidation, but provided very little facts. Yet in the end made it clear, he graduated from this one small school in Appalachia, got a great education, however he has now resided outside of the town, in another town for the last 35 years or so, and it is unfair for him to have to pay more taxes, due to his district having, in his words, better value of homes and land, and he would have to pay more to renovate a school he no longer needs in a community he no longer lives in.
We also heard from an educator from St. Paul who also give details and figures and even quotes from the Gates foundation, on why small schools work best. This seem to fall on deaf ears to some. And to the pro consolidation group, some said they respected the lady, but she is basically not up with the times. A woman who in a post to the Coalfield give facts and figures. Some thing even a person who is a leader in economic development did not or could not give.
We heard from a board of supervisor member. Who visited a newly consolidated school in Kentucky, which I think the state forced to consolidation, due to the lack of education and lack of funding, the board member came back in awe of the new school. Yet even on a recent national TV show it showed children from the same community area, in which money was being raised for books. Yet a new high school was just built and consolidation was forced. Yet a national program is raising money for the children of that area. The board member seem to fail, to talk to the students, and see if they were as awe struck as he was.
Or to look at the situation from a broader view of, how has and will things change over time, will you graduate more. Will you have better education for all. Including those who are not preparing for college. Can they obtain work skills to help them before they graduate. Do you work with local colleges to help your children, those who want more than just AP classes, so they can attend college and take courses, while still in highschool.
What problems have you had already had other than the little items. Students spend 1 ½ hrs at times on buses traveling to school round trip that is 3 hrs per day? I did read some where, where one person said the students traveling on these buses, could use the time to do their home work. And that it made for better prepared students to attend college.
What percentage of graduating seniors will attend college? How many will get grants and scholarships. Or with the looks of the area. How many could afford to send their children to college. This is not looking down on any one. It's being realistic. What we want to look at.
I've read on local message boards and forums, how many just want their school for sports. When most talk of community and sports they could care less about. But their schools is for their children. A vital part of their community due to not only the parent teacher relationship, but also the student teacher setting.
Most local counties here do want Wise County to consolidate. However it is to relieve their own problems for sports. Yes you heard it correctly. I've read this so many times, it got me interested so I ask a few questions. Lee County would have it's travel and sports problems solved. And once Dickenson County consolidates to one high school. It would be right in the mix as long as Wise County consolidates. If any one is looking at it for just sports and wanting that, it's the neighboring counties. And it's no big secret. Many coaches and those in sports will tell you that.
Most polls of the teachers and some principals, who are not afraid to speak on the subject, 3 out of 5 teachers disagree with consolidation. And many fear it will end the quality of education that most receive.
First and fore most let me say this. The teachers fear this due to the students today, and the lack of discipline, at the schools and in the homes. Discipline in school that can not be enforced, by teachers or the school system, in most part.
We must be careful in what we ask for.
Can we live with the following. Stereotyping. It does happen. More than many seem to realize. What does it bring about. It brings about anger and hard feelings. An example of what is said by some about the those from Appalachia, Pound and St. Paul, as I have heard by some, are called "those people"? by many on the pro consolidation movement. Basically the working blue collar people of Wise County. Who as some say do not know what is good for them. Yet for those they work for. It seems they know what they are good for. To make money and to be the back bone to earn the money. Yet never see the money returned to their schools or communities. Yet see other communities get their needs and wants from the very employers who use their skill and labor to have the money to give away as charitable donations. In their own home towns, but never in the towns of those who work and earn them their millions.
Stereotyping and just plain prejudice does happen. Pushing to the extremes. Some times to the point of violence. Have we forgotten Columbine. Or more recently VA Tech. Inexcusable acts but acts that did happen. And we hope will never happen again.
But look at today's youth. Can we over look the violent tempers of many. Yes some will say that it is just some thing we will have to work through. Yes and some things we may not of had happen, had we not helped it along, combine already problem children, with more and creating an environment awaiting a match. And some one will light that match. Which generation will it be that is in the way of the fire.
Lack of education. Many will just give in and give up. Many will just stop going and eventually drop out. Leaving us with more educational needs and less qualified people in the area for high paying jobs. Not all will go to Harvard or UVA Wise and obtain a degree. Many will just want to graduate and go to work.
Creating a generation of forgotten students and possibly new drug and alcohol user. Those who give in to peer pressure to be seen and known. Many larger schools have this. The odd ball group as most call them. Their not the jocks or the brainiacs, cheerleaders or prep or band members, just the group of kids, who don't fit in, in none of the categories. Those who eventually get lost and end up on drugs. Good kids. Just kids who didn't fit in and wanted to, so they turned to what would make them. Drugs and drinking.
Do we want to help lead the national stats for the wrong reasons. Do we want to be on the even news for the wrong reasons. Some need to think hard before they jump on the consolidation band wagon. Because what looks good now. Well in the end it may be more costly in real terms than it seems now. Terms that are far more reaching.
Not all small communities have the millionaire families and companies who donate at will to the schools. Or to say it as it is. Buy the school and it's programs.
Look at your local region and see what companies and families have donated to their schools. Then look and see what schools have the best. And the best chance for getting what they want.
Why. Money and Politics. It's time to take both out of the picture and look at it in reality. Consolidation may seem great. It may get you beautiful buildings and it may get you a great sports program. But when foundations speak out against it. Such as the Gates Foundation and educators do also. Perhaps some should be listening.
We are already sitting on a powder keg of problems. Where, when and how it explodes is the question. No one thought what happened at VA Tech would happen as tragic as it was it did happen. Who would of ever thought VA Tech.
My question once more. In the long term can we live with consolidation.
We can solve our problems. Renovate our schools. Give our children good education, have electives, and AP classes not for a few chosen schools, but all the schools. And get rid of the block program. It is use less. It ties up kids who could be bettering their education. Set up programs with the local colleges so those who want to advance can. Even past AP classes. And get an economic development board online to bring in business.
What good does it do to educate, and not have businesses, for those who graduate high school and or college. When they can not find employment. And teachers be real about the issues to the students. About life and education. You learned it worked. Now show them why they need it. Build a desire in them to want it. You choose a field as a public servant. Now work in that field and love what you do. Our children are a gift. We only have them for a short time. Let's do what we can for them. Not what is right because of a dollar.
You deserve a big hand for what you have done already. How much does it take, to show you yourselves do not want consolidation. And it's not job security. It's because you care.
I think even the teachers we have in Wise County Schools found a way to even help cut the renovation figure. An almost 30% cut in the amount to renovate schools. Which means 6 schools can be renovated for $79 million dollars. Yet 2 years ago it was going to take $54 million to renovate 3 schools.
Wise County Schools, Excellent Education, Without Consolidation.
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