I need your opinion!

Does this mean that the rumors about closing smaller schools like Southview are really a possibility for next year? That would also mean that some of those kids will be redistricted for second time, meaning this could be the third time that some have changed schools without moving.

I know that there are already too many children registered at Southview, therefore all of the kindergarten and at least one first grade class are being sent to Valley Grove, which I think is too stressful on kids that are 5, 6, and 7. I think it is unfair to the kids that go to the smaller schools to throw them into a big school. I have seen a big school and a small school first hand, I know how each school operates, I understand Southview does not have a school nurse all of the time, but then again is one needed all of the time? Could that job be handled by the secretary? I don't have a clue what the state guidelines are for that, so I am only guessing, maybe the school personnel could be trained for emergency situations? Would moving the school nurses role to other people in the school save money?

Tobi,

I think much of ACSC's problems started when they started closing neighborhood schools. I can remember how many time Brentwood Elementary's name and function changed. Most thriving communities prefer neighborhoold schools; take a look at Hamilton County, nearly every group of new subdivision in the last 15 years have chosen neighborhood schools to the extent that many have a sidewalk easment at the rear of their lot leading to the school. I think special needs children should be in every elemetary so children have an opportunity to see people with special needs. Kendrick was a nightmare and Long was even worse; we all know you can't educate children in old schools, look at the idiots that come out of Harvard and Yale! I think the neighborhood schools with help with the socioeconomic problem that exist when you place children in an environment where other children's parents may be better of financially.

Tobi,

I also think the state needs to allow the school system to take money from the building fund and apply it towards upkeep and mantainience. The current law discourages upkeep and repairs on older building. Edgewood Elem was built in 1976 and it's one of the older elementary schools in the city, but if the average Joe had an abode build in 1976 it would be considered a newer home and it would be unheardof to abandon a 32 year old home nearly anywhere, with few exceptions where it's highest and best use would be for  economic development reasons.