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Divided school board barely passes rezoning plan
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 9:43pm
Mildred Harris holds a sign up in protest of the proposed school zoning at a school board meeting on Tuesday. The board ultimately approved the rezoning proposal. Matthew Williams/The City Paper
It took a series of five-to-four votes for Nashville’s Board of Education to come to a decision on a proposed rezoning plan. Some associate the plan with neighborhood schools, and others call it resegregation.
But it passed.
The plan, created by a task force of school board-appointed community members, eliminates non-contiguous zones — areas of Metro Nashville Public Schools in which students are bused to schools outside their neighborhoods — and closes four schools.
The plan promises additional resources, which come at a total price tag of $4.6 million, for schools in areas of concentrated poverty and minority populations. It will save the district an administration-estimated total of $2.4 million for the closing of some schools, officials said. The plan will not take effect until the 2009-2010 school year.
About 150 people, including several protesters holding signs, crowded into the boardroom for the discussion. Many of those audience members were against the plan, and many were not shy about raising their voices in calling out such phrases as “education, not segregation” to board members.
Board members Ed Kindall and George Thompson proposed motions to delay the plan. Kindall presented an alternative plan, and Thompson asked that some board members recuse themselves from the vote for reported violations of Tennessee’s Sunshine Law. Board member Jo Ann Brannon made a motion that the board consider the plan one cluster at a time, rather than in its entirety.
Board member Gracie Porter clarified after the meeting that she voted against the plan because she believed more information should have been provided, particularly in regards to financial details. And Brannon said she would have voted differently if she had been able to consider the question by individual clusters.
All three motions were voted down, and all three with five-to-four votes. Voting down all three motions, and voting in favor of the task force’s proposal, were David Fox, Steve Glover, Karen Johnson, Mark North and Marsha Warden. Voting in favor of all three motions, and against the rezoning plan, were Brannon, Kindall, Porter and George Thompson.
North, who was chair of the task force, said during the meeting that the plan should be considered as a whole, since all aspects of it tie together. He also urged the board to vote on the plan, whether Tuesday night or two weeks later, out of respect for the work completed by the task force.
Warden referred to the board’s lack of rezoning action over the course of the past three years, as well as the failure of a consultant hired to make recommendations. She urged the board to act decisively, and criticized Kindall’s timing.
“Tonight at the last hour of the last minute of the last day, we receive yet another plan,” Warden said. “I am wondering what is the purpose and how this will positively impact children.”
After the final vote, Kindall walked out of the meeting while it was still in session. Warden then called a 15-minute break. Neither Kindall nor Thompson returned to the table following that break, but Thompson attributed their absences to interviews with the media, rather than making a statement.
Kindall’s alternative plan included criticisms of what the task force presented, including arguments stating that the financial stewardship and building use issues said to be priorities of the task force were not adequately addressed. He cited research that supports the idea that children will not do well in schools that are racially and socio-economically isolated, and contended that the plan will resegregate Nashville schools. Kindall asked the board to defer consideration of the plan for two weeks, and to give the task force time to consider his suggestions.
After the failure of Kindall’s motion, Thompson asked that board members present on a recent Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce trip to Miami recuse themselves from the vote. He based the request on reports that those board members had been lobbied by others on the trip. Thompson cited a Nashville Scene article as proof of the public’s knowledge of the reported lobbying.
Of the two board members present on the trip, only one — Karen Johnson — responded at the meeting to Thompson’s statements. Johnson said she was never lobbied. She also condemned the distribution of two documents allegedly penned by former Director of Schools Pedro Garcia. Kindall and Glover provided copies of the documents to members of the media days before.
“I don’t feel it is fair to ask me to recuse myself,” Johnson said. “There have been games that have been played on the backs of children of this district. … Frankly, that needs to be stopped.”
Glover did not, at the meeting, respond to Thompson’s statements. But he told The City Paper Tuesday afternoon that if it was wrong of him to be lobbied by business community members, it was equally wrong of Kindall and Thompson to have, he said, been “lobbied” by members of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Observers of the meeting had mixed responses to the plan’s approval.
Terri Short, an audience member who has attended a large number of public meetings and hearings related to MNPS rezoning, condemned the plan and the board members who approved it.
“It’s unfair. It’s unjust. It’s unconscionable,” Short said after the meeting. “They’re only concerned with the children they serve, and not the district as a whole. … The Chamber and the people who got them elected are the puppeteers.”
Others voiced their support, including Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President Ralph Schulz.
“It was good to see the board embrace its responsibility tonight,” Schulz said.
Schulz dismissed allegations that had been associated with the Chamber at the meeting, including Chamber influence over board members supported by the organization’s Success PAC, lobbying taking place at the Chamber trip to Miami, and reported Chamber influence in the departure of Garcia.
“The Chamber is a support organization,” Schulz said. “We don’t define policy. We don’t make management initiatives. …. Nobody got elected in the last election based on any commitments, any strings attached.”
To view the complete approved rezoning plan, as well as a 19-page document allegedly penned by Garcia detailing how rezoning influenced his ousting from the district, visit The City Paper’s Political Animals blog.
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Filed under: City News
A great victory for Jim Crow. Welcome to 1908.
Divided would be an understatement. That meeting looked and sounded like meetings from 30 years ago. What a sad night for Nashville.
The Chamber got what it wanted. Thanks to David Fox and other pro chamber elected members. I am forever shamed by this school board.
The rezoning simply puts kids back into the schools that are geographically near to them right? Why is that a bad thing? Especially with today's gas prices...do we want to be driving around all over town twice a day? It would do some kids good to walk or ride their bike to school too. This seems like a win-win. can someone explain why it is not?
I do not think policies related to 30 years of failing schools should ever be considered too sacred to change. Metro schools need to start doing everything different in order to improve. This was just the first step.
Education starts at home. The physical location of the school your child attends shouldn't matter. What does matter is are their home lives disciplined and structured to learn and that begins with the parents, not the school system. I hope corporate America recognize this decision and stop moving their businesses to Middle Tennessee.
If anyone has been paying attention to the fact that the Metro Nashville Public Schools has done horrible in standardized testing, and has been on probation due to failing to meet the minimum requirements for the Federal No Child Left Behind program for several years in a row now, then they would understand the need to make some serious changes around here. Putting kids in schools close to home where their parents are more likely to be involved, and where it is easier for kids to be involved in after school activities seems like a no-brainer. Everyone always wants to make everything a racial issue, but this is a common sense issue. Things have to change in the school system, and this is a logical move toward making some potentially positive changes. And for all of those people crying "re-segregation
Its is so funny to hear people say we should do everything in our power to make Metro schools better. But the minute you start the process folks howl and scream. What we have now is a lot of really $hitty schools. This plan ensures that we will have just a few $hitty schools, but the others will be allowed to prosper.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but according to one map, Hillsboro High (the most affluent school) will now have a higher percent of minorities with the new rezoning. How is that a bad thing?They also have open enrollment, so anyone can attend as long as they sign up by a certain date and provide their own transportation...
Yes, but that would mean some parents would have to make an effort, to get their kid(s) into the school and then to the school. We can’t have that kind of thing!
I'm as liberal as the next guy, but I have yet to see any evidence presented that even comes close to "resegregation".Weren't there African-Americans and Hispanics on the Task Force that actually made the recommendations? Clearly, they felt the plan was solid and wouldn't bring racial disparity.I am worried that several prominent African-American leaders are using this issue to grandstand at the worst possible time (in the middle of a state takeover of the district).
I live in Madison now, used to live in Crieve Hall...my kids attended Sylvan Park and West End for the past 4 years. I drive nearly 2 hours a day to get them to school and home. It's worth it. My kids are worth it. My neighborhood schools suck.
Has anyone writing here read the report, analyzed the numbers, studied the maps, and performed the demographic & actuarial functions needed to understand the effect of this plan? forming an opinion on this matter requires such work. I haven't done it, and I don't have the time. I'd be happy to read a substantive opinion from someone(s) who has (have).
I'm not sure if that data is available to everyone. I don't have as much of a dog in this hunt as others since my children never have, nor ever will, go to their zoned schools. Returning to neighborhood zoning will only improve my children's schools as they are located in rather wealthy sections of town. And the beauty is that any child can attend those schools. Until this year West End was an open enrollment school, and I believe Hillsboro still is. I had to get a special transfer for my daughter to attend West End next year, but that took all of two hours to complete. Both principals were happy to accommodate our needs.
Excellent post, MJB. I wish we had a "recommend" button, I'd hit it twice.
What is FARM?
EIEIO?
This is not a race issue its an economic issue or not in my backyard syndrome. The wealth vs the poor. I do not trust this school board to do the right thing for our students. all schools should have access to Ap courses and (IB courses which are only available in the wealthy schools in the district).low performing students do better when intrigrated with well performing students.The Board gave no numbers on how many students would have to want to bused to out of zone before they provided transportation.
Don't forget to blame whitey for all your problems. Whitey causes everything for the blacks to go bad.
Typical response instead of dealing with the problems you race bate. Get a clue I'm white.
FARM is free and reduced meals: there is a means test for students to receive free lunches and other options that their families can't pay for.
Go to some of the schools that have high FARM numbers and volunteer. Walk a mile or two in those kids' shoes and then see who you want to push where. You might be angry at their parent - it's rarely parents -- but the child did not ask to be born. And if we don't educate the children, we will feed them later, often time in jail or prison which is much more expensive. And poor people don't take less interest in their children than any other group from my observations over these long, too long, years.
So poor people take less interest in their children's education? And therefor parents that do take an interest in their children's education should be forced to compromise their children's education to improve other people's children's education? No thanks. My job is to raise my own children, and provide adequate options for other people to raise their own...which is done in abundance in this society. I'm not going to hold anyone's hand. That is BS. Even if I did...it wouldn't help in the long run, just further perpetuate the idea that poor people can't do anything for themselves...and they become more and more the victim. It is far beyond time to push our poor neighbors out of our nest. Learn to fly or go splat.
Make what you make happen with your kids on half, or a third, of you current income, and THEN talk about a sink or swim mentality.
My eighth grader has attended out-of-zone schools since kindergarten because of his physical disabilites (Sylvan Park and West End have stairs he can't climb). It has not been a problem to do but admittedly, it would be nice if he went to school with kids from our neighborhood.
Sylvan Park has an elevator. Not sure about West End.
Yes, the data is available to everyone and was in the City Paper on July 3. The changes are significant in some more suburban schools and urban elementary schools. Very few people who are in MNPS by choice are concerned about race or ethnic groups: their concern is economic, FARM vs NonFARM kids.Go look at the changes: http://politics.nashvillecityblogs.com/?p=611
My kid's education is virtually free. How would me making less change their education?dogmrb...it's rarely parents? It's ALWAYS parents. If a child is failing at anything it is the parent's responsibility to make sure that kid gets on the right track. Educators are simply there to supplement the education parents give their children. Poor people do take less interest in education...because they usually have little or no education and don't appreciate it. We have been holding their hands now for 3-4 generations...plenty long for them to get it, but they still haven't. Time to cut them off. If they choose to sink into a world of crime they will be dealt with by the sword. That will be their choice. No blood on my hands.
That you drive them to the schools, that you can support them in their activities at and for the school, that you can provide for them what they need at the school, that you are able to take off work and participate in the school, is not what makes you a good parent. Being financially able to do those things does not make you a good parent.Some “poor” parents understand fully what their children need to better themselves, they just may not be able to do so in a financial manner. They need some help so that their children can achieve your “lofty” status! There are many “well off” parents that don’t give a rip about their children, or their education, so come down off of your soap box and look at how those families that need help can best be served.
I hope you can read through your anger. I said parent, as in single parent without benefit of a dual income household or a working and stay at home pair. Again, the child did not ask to be born and I would rather put my money and energy into educating a child than the problems associated with undereducated adults. You pay now or you pay later, there is no free lunch. Society seems to be paying later this day in time.
good posts, dogmrb. i agree. just because someone is poor it doesn't mean they care less about their children and you hit the nail on the head that poor people don't just go away. you pay now or you pay later. why not invest in good education and after school programs on the front end?
While these discussions are painful, I am grateful that people are paying attention. You are right: these problems won't go away and there are no simple solutions.
Money will not provide a better education. We already spend plenty.Jones Paideia: miserable failure of a school.Sylvan Park Paideia: shining success.My son attended both. Geographic priority zoning has ruined Jones. Because the people who live in the ghetto around Jones don't give a crap about their kid's education. It doesn't take money to attend your kid's field day. It doesn't take money to volunteer at your kid's fund raisers. It doesn't take money to organize a PTA. I saw all of this first hand...then we got in to Sylvan Park and were just amazed at the difference. Every single school function was slammed full of parents, friends, and even just residents of the community showing their support. Grandparents came to school every day to eat lunch with their grand kids. Every holiday party was packed full of parents. I'm going to miss Sylvan Park. This last year was my daughter's last year there. Makes me want to have another kid just so they can have the joy of attending Sylvan Park. Getting into Sylvan Park wasn't easy. I had to bend the ears of Pam Garrett and Pedro Garcia numerous times to get them to help us out. That didn't take money either. I care. Caring is free.
I guess when you're working two jobs or are a single parent it's hard to find time to organize a PTA.
The Tennessean (as horrible as it is) did an article this past Sunday regarding how much teachers get paid by school. All the lower performing schools (in poor neighborhoods) had teachers at a much lower pay. It would be nice to have cash incentives for the more experienced and gifted teachers to teach at the schools that really need them.
evilj, have you ever been a big sister to any of the "ghetto" kids?
Since Pam and Pedro are no longer there, what will you do now?
Blaketnazi2...I would be a big brother...not sister...but no...I'm busy raising my own children. After they are out of the house I would certainly consider such a worthy program. Also...sounds like you may be living beyond your means...or maybe you should have provided yourself with a better education before having sex...then one job would suffice.dogmrb...if I need anything in the future I will contact whomever I think will help me. As can any other person with access to a telephone...or who has legs that can walk them to the MNPS on Bransford Ave. I went down there in person many times as well.Caring is free. There is NO good excuse not to provide you child with a good education. All the text books used in schools...and then some...are available for free at your local library...usually within walking distance of your house. If you feel your child's teacher isn't doing an adequate job then it is up to you to make up for that. If you do not have the skills necessary to tutor your child then it is up to you to take advantage of one of the many free or reduced-fee adult education programs available in Nashville so that you may gain the skills needed to effectively help your child live a better life than you have.
thirty years ago people like evilj also felt I didnt deserve a decent education because I did not come from wealth, I used their resources and benefitted from their hard work. My Family struggled to keep their small business afloat and could not be involved at my school. I should go back to my own neighborhood if it were not for my very supportive teachers I do not know where I would be now. College educated, owner of my own business who would think such cruel and small minded people could breed such sucess!
But Irishchick...all children in Nashville do have access to good educations...more so now than ever. I don't come from wealth either...I am a product of the MNPS...and I too am a college grad who owns my own business. My parents cared though...and made me a better student. I can't count the number of hours my parents spent sitting at our dining room table tutoring me for hours a night. That is what parenting is all about. If your kid isn't getting a good education it is YOUR fault...the MNPS is just a red herring. But that is the mindset of the welfare state...blame someone else. "I'm the victim...boo hoo hoo!!!"
"29194
But, at least he has realized that it has nothing to do with money, therefore this statement is hypocritical,“Poor people do take less interest in education...because they usually have little or no education and don't appreciate it. We have been holding their hands now for 3-4 generations...plenty long for them to get it, but they still haven't.”It only and always has only been about CARING. Because, it is only STUPID people that don’t care about, nor appreciate, education, not rich or poor people.
all children in nashville do not have equal access to the same education thatis my point! Only Hillsboro has access to the IB program. The board promised 2 AP classes. Thay are so generous! My son school has 22 AP classes and the number keeps growing that is where the problem lies.
But Hillsboro is an open enrollment school!!!! Any child in Nashville can attend at any time for any reason! All they have to do is ask!
dog...how have I been angry? I'm simply being realistic.
There is a limited time frame for open enrolment. The only other time that a child can move to another school is for those in schools with academic trouble.
and have a way to get there. Many people live on limited bus service lines.All schools should have the same access to the gifted classes! get it they do not not want to go to another school they want equal access to the same classes in their zoned school! this is not a handout, if it cost to much to offer it in improvished schools then it cost to much to offer these classes at Hillsboro,Hillwood, MLK or Hume Fogg.
No your right we should spend our limited budget on only your children because they are special!
First, I just didn’t want incorrect information out there. Second, again, I am refuting your statement(s) that it is a “poor” thing, when in fact it is a caring thing. Third, yes I am a pessimist. Fourth, all schools should absolutely have the same number of options and opportunities for ALL the students in each and every school, that way there is NO question about whether or not student has a chance to achieve no matter were they live.
Poor students are at a disadvantage. They often come from single parent households, which can lead to less parental involvement, socially and in education. The african american population has a 70% rate of children out of wedlock, this contributes to poverty. There are too many "baby daddies" out there that are not giving children a father figure. All this can inhibit a child's ability to learn. I said this on a board on the tennessean. I can't help solve the problem in education. If I talk to kids and tell them to work hard, I am an outsider and my words don't apply to them since I am young and white. The adults, male and female really need to step up and change the perpetual poverty in poor neighborhoods (the slums or the projects). Until this happens, african americans will continue to have high rates of poverty, low rates of education, and a tough life. To younger, less experienced teachers teaching at these schools and more experienced teachers are paid more to teach at nicer schools, do you blame them? Someone I know who taught at Antioch High claimed it was like doing time. These schools are difficult to teach and I bet there are a lot of safety concerns. Luckily, this year they can offer financial incentives to teach at "poor" schools, which was prohibited in previous years.
Bottomline its a broken system with or without rezoning. Can MNPS offer a world class education. The answer is without hesitation.. YES. Will it, no, why politics if one person can't have or more appropriately does not want it, then nobody (with few exceptions) can have it and their are board members and special interest groups out there who make it their career to perpetuate this.