Last week, I posted a summary of the school board meeting. Due to the positive response to that summary, I will try to continue to do this. Please note this is from my notes and observations, and I will be sure to indicate when I am inserting my own opinion.
At the 2/25 meeting, a special called meeting was scheduled for today, March 4, in order to be able to move certain key policies ahead to allow the school board and the school central office to get to work on the 2014-15 school year.
Today’s meeting had a higher attendance than previous meetings I attended. Also in attendance were members of the press: CA, Daily News and Memphis Flyer.
Seven members of the public addressed the board. Most were expressing concern about the level of uncertainty for Collierville Schools attendance by non-residents, and Collierville residents attending non-Collierville schools (mostly Houston Middle and High). Some arguments for or against charging non-residents tuition were also expressed.
During the Chairman’s report, Board Chairman Mark Hansen provided a response to some of the public comments and an update on the discussions held with Germantown. In reference to Germantown’s decision to set a tuition for non-resident students, and other aspects of the Germantown policies, he stated he cannot comment on their policies. He also indicated that no agreement to zone Collierville residents to Houston schools is expected at this time, but also not ruled out. No further meetings on the topic are planned at this time, however.
In response to the public comments about interaction with the public, Mr Hansen pointed out that the School Board is responsive to questions emailed to them, that the Superintendent has attended every Collierville PTA meeting, and has generally made himself available in the community. Collierville Schools do not have access to the PTA at the Houston schools, however. He expressed interest in the idea of a public forum, and will look into holding one.
Chairman Hansen said the proposed CMSD enrollment policies:
- are responsive to family wishes
- offer options to families
- avoid disruption in school attendance patterns
Some parents will have to make some tough decisions if their kids currently attend school outside Collierville municipal boundaries. The board will respect parents who choose non-CMSD schools. In Collierville, parents/students will find:
- Collierville will ‘welcome with open hearts’ all Collierville residents, and will have room for all resident students, even if some schools will be close to capacicity.
- Collierville students will enjoy an education of the highest standard, and at schools that are competitive nationally.
- Any Collierville resident student outside walking distance (not defined at this time) can count on transportation to the Collierville schools that they are zoned for.
- Collierville will promote the core virtues of scholarship, integrity and service to its students.
The Superintendent’s report was next. Mr Aitken echoed the sentiments of the chair – Collierville Kids in Collierville schools.
There will be early enrollment for Collierville residents on March 24, 25 and 27. Full details will be on the schools website by the end of this week. The dates are based on grade levels, and will incorporate proof of residency. The enrollment data will be used to set open enrollment limits. Students will also be able to do course registration after the enrollment. Attendance zone maps are being drafted and will be public in time for the early enrollment – please watch the website. Open enrollment will have an April 4 deadline this year.
Moving on to policy approvals – all policies approved as read last week, with only minor changes to reflect current data.
Notable:
Collierville Schools will have an open enrollment policy for anyone outside municipal boundaries to apply to attend Collierville Schools. This will, obviously be subject to capacity and the non-resident’s continued academic and behavioral performance, and will have to be requested each year. Prioritization will be as follows:
- Children of Collierville Schools’ teachers who live outside the municipality
- Students currently enrolled at one of the 8 Collierville Schools
- Siblings of students currently enrolled at one of the 8 Collierville Schools
- Children of Collierville employees who live outside the municipality
- Students who are rezoned by SCS and live in closer proximity to the Collierville School they want to attend than to the school where they are zoned
- Remaining Shelby County residents not covered in 1-5 above.
- Tennessee residents who are not residents of Shelby County.
Shelby County residents will not be charged a fee to attend Collierville Schools.
In comments by the board, it was pointed out that charging a fee for school attendance violates the intent on which the municipal schools were approved by voters in state legislature and the public. A fee would be a barrier or hindrance for some, and that is not a desirable outcome. Considering Collierville funding is from sales taxes, not property taxes, there is no inequity here. Additionally, Collierville residents will enjoy enrollment guarantee at their schools, transportation, and school board representation.
Finally, a school calendar was approved, similar to the Shelby County calendar and identical to the one approved by the other municipal schools.
My observation:
The situation created by Shelby County Schools that specifically calls for only city residents to be zoned to the municipal schools, and for them to retain control of the three Germantown namesake schools is a reality that the school board has to work with. The school board has a legal obligation to educate the children of Collierville, and has fiscal responsibility to the residents of Collierville. The policies adopted by the board ensure that the school board fulfills its obligations, and make it possible for residents to make alternate arrangements should they choose to do so. Non-residents will be offered the opportunity to enjoy the Collierville education system as space allows. Non-residents should direct their frustrations to their elected (county) school board and county commission representatives who created this situation.