Dr. Bayly explained that staff will be sending letters directly to the homes of children that will be affected by redistricting. That letter will contain an explanation of how to proceed if they choose to apply for grandfathering. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Pamela Smith (Bayshore Gardens resident) - expressed concern about the proposed plan's effect on Lee Middle School students. She asked for the district to develop specific guidelines involving accountability for students to attend Lee as a performing arts school, and not just because a student may wish to leave another school. 2. Vicky McDuffee (Bayshore Gardens resident) - said her son loves attending Lee Middle School. 3. Starloe Galletta - said that if parents are not happy with some of the neighborhoods that our schools are in, let them come into our neighborhoods and make them better, rather than complaining about them. She suggested children should be mixed with other students not like them, so that they can learn from each other. 4. Lisa Heidemann - asked questions about the School Choice program, which were answered by Dr. Dearing and Dr. Bayly. She thanked Dr. Dearing for developing a plan that took all factors into consideration. 5. Michael Gundrum (Creekwood subdivision resident) - expressed hope the board takes into consideration how much time students are on the school bus, which would increase if the children are redistricted. He spoke in support of Dr. Dearing's recommendation. 6. Margi Nanney (parent of two Harllee Middle School students), shared information about Harllee Middle School's programs and reasons why she thinks it is the most excellent middle school in the district. She challenged parents of students being redistricted to keep an open mind and open heart to the change. 7. Mark Nanney (6th grade student at Harllee Middle School) - discussed the academic program at Harllee Middle School, and many of the reasons why he loves attending school there. He asserted that Harllee Middle School is the best school, with the best teachers anywhere. |