Board agrees J.S. Clark to feed BTW(but what does that really mean)

During its August 21, 2007 meeting, the CPSB approved item number 21 on its agenda without debate. That item reads: "Feeder School for Booker T. Washington High School (Burton)."

On August 22, 2007, The Times reports this development as " J.S. Clark Middle to feed students to BTW, board decides." The problem is that this approval apparently comes without the requirement to redraw distrist lines or any other parameters.

That leads to the obvious conclusion that the approval was little more than an empty gesture. Board member Willie Burton is quoted in The Times article as saying "Redrawing the district lines wouldn't have changed a whole lot, and it wouldn't be relevant because students can choose where they want to go."

This of course is 180 degrees from item 17 that was on the boards agenda for Febuary 21, 2006. That item read: "Feeder Pattern proposal for Booker T. Washington High School (Burton/Robinson 603-5474).

It came with a recommendation of then superintendent, Ollie S. Tyler. The recommendation was designed to "...establish a main feeder pattern by realigning J.S.Clark Middle School to feed Booker T. Washington High. Attached are maps depicting the recommended changes to the BTW attendance zone.

Listed below are the proposed changes designed to address the declining enrollment.

1.Realign Booker T. Washington's southern most boundary.........
2.Realign Booker T Washington's eastern boundary................
3.Cap the enrollment at C.E.Byrd High School to 1,950 students from outside the attendance zone. The Magnet Program enrollment will not be affected."

Of course, item 17 was pulled from the agenda by Mr. Burton in order to allow the community to fully understand how the proposed changes affected them.

The foundation is now seeking further information and clarification on this development before issuing a final assessment. However, on a prelimanary basis, we have serious reservations about how this latest move by the board will truly benefit BTW.

Stay tuned..