Time to move forward
, Publisher
07-13-2010
It’s never easy to make tough decisions, especially when emotions and politics are involved, but that’s exactly what the Union Parish School Board did Monday night.
The Board voted 5-3 to adopt an amended consolidation plan that met the demands of U.S. District Judge Robbie James to bring the school district into compliance with a federal desegregation order.
The original plan adopted by the School Board last month did not include the closure of the high school at Downsville, only the widening of its district to include more minority students to its mostly white student body. That didn’t fly with James, who realized that the larger district would not bring in enough minority students to bring Downsville into compliance with the desegregation order, and thus, he rejected the plan.
His recommendation – which was adopted Monday night – was to consolidate Downsville High School into Farmerville High School.
Surprisingly, a Board that has resisted making tough decisions and opted for the path of least resistance in the past, approved a plan that met James’ criteria.
Not surprisingly, the folks in Downsville are upset. Their school, which has consistently been the top performing school in the district is being closed. Their anger is understandable.
However, the consolidation of schools in Union Parish was never a matter of if, but when. Dilapidated buildings, declining enrollments and the overall precarious financial status of the district, made such a move inevitable. Truth be told, it should have happened long before this.
Now as we sit here in mid July, a little over a month before the start of a new school year, perhaps Monday’s vote can start the parish on a fresh path to a solid future. It is time to look forward, not back.
The rancor generated from the opening of D’Arbonne Woods Charter School and the lawsuit which followed, should cease. The charter school isn’t going anywhere and is now part of the educational options in Union Parish.
As with any fight, there are those who are left battered and bruised, and by no means is this a perfect solution. However, considering the circumstances, it is the best option for the overall health of the school district for the foreseeable future.
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