Concerns Over Schools on the List

So the first few schools have been chosen, offered up to charter operators or other interested parties according to an article in the Daily News.

One of the schools is literally within walking distance of my home.  My son did not attend there.  And it's highly unlikely my daughter would ever set foot on the campus either.  The school has awfully low test scores, requires uniforms, and although it's been awhile, I've witnessed massive fights on my street and it's not out of the ordinary to watch kids scale the eight-foot fence to get off campus (apparently it's not an issue for the police station next door, either).

It's not clear if anyone would want the historic property--for a middle school or any other configuration.  But chances are, some group will apply.  And as a neighbor, I'm concerned.  If the new operators were to choose the extended-day or extended year model of some schools (7:30 to 5 pm, plus Saturdays, or year round), I'd be concerned with increased traffic.  Or the school could offer a philosophy that doesn't necessarily jive with every family (21st Century Skills vs. Core Knowledge).  And in those cases, I'd be concerned for the students that aren't interested in the new operator's philosophy.  I wondered about this over the summer as Burmingham went charter and moved their school year up a full three weeks.  They have their reasons, and I'm not interested in a mid-August start date.

As these bids are considered, I'd like to challenge the district to consider the concept of "tyranny of the majority" and offer students not interested in these new campuses priorty for registering at a nearby quality campus.  Offer these families a clear invitation to attend any school within their boundaries without restrictions.

I know how to get my kids into quality schools through magnet, open enrollment, SAS and other programs.  Make sure that every family affected by these changes have the same.