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    Columbus City Schools: Official 2014 Predictions

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    Last year wasn’t exactly a banner year for Columbus City Schools. State report cards were dismal, the superintendent resigned, the system got audited by the state and FBI and the levy failed.

    Though intriguing, what’s behind CCS isn’t nearly as meaningful as what’s ahead. The future will be shaped by the administrators, teachers, parents, and the community of Columbus. So a group of those game changers were asked for their hopes and predictions for the new year.

    Dan Thress, teacher for Columbus City Schools

    “We have a leadership change at three major levels: superintendent, school board president, and union president. The time to change the culture of Columbus City Schools is obviously now. The school board needs to welcome parents in the debate over issues that effect our children and neighborhoods; and the teachers union needs to put the interests of children before the interests of adults. Changes could be felt immediately, wouldn’t require an increased budget, and would go a long way to developing trust and support from the voters.”

    He continues, “The people who voted against the levy are CCS parents, graduates, and neighbors who want our schools to succeed but feel that the district is operating with outdated values and direction. Voters rejected abandoning our public schools for charter schools, the closed door policies of the district, and the continued investment in failed programs. Parents want a change in district culture to include resources distributed across all neighborhoods, not just those neighborhoods in economic decline. Today’s voters are aware and mobilized. Unlike previous generations, people don’t want to move to the suburbs when their kids turn five.”

    Dr. Dan Good, Interim Superintendent of Columbus City Schools

    Famously organized, the superintendent made and shared an itemized list of predictions and hopes for 2014. The titles on the list included: “Board Adoption of Highly Focused District Goals, and he gave examples such as Expansion of High Quality Pre-Kindergarten Programs and Execution of Robust Primary Age Reading Interventions.”

    The superintendent also emphasized more public engagement, listing “Early Year Engagement of Public on Budget Considerations”, this section includes seeking community input on “FY15 Budget Reduction Recommendations and FY15 Facility Use and Potential Closures”.

    Beyond predictions, Dr. Good has another list for his hopes. Those hopes include:

    • “A balanced budget for FY15 through FY18”
    • “Stabilization of Enrollment and Increased Student Reading Achievement”
    • “Determination of next Ballot request (what and when) and Restored Public Confidence”

    Amy Harkins, parent and volunteer

    “I am placing a lot of hope on the new school board members to enact real change and reform within the district. We will be watching as they work through the proposed budget cuts, making sure that the cuts are not made at the classroom teacher level. I hope to see many more parents get involved with their schools and speak up at school board meetings. The only way we can make our voices heard is to stand up and make noise.”

    Harkins continues, “I also participate as a volunteer in the district’s Reading Buddies , working with two second graders at Oakland Park Elementary. I’ve met with my Buddies for three months now and I can already notice improvement in their abilities and more importantly, their enthusiasm around reading and writing. It is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I’ve had. I encourage community members to talk to their employers about forming a group that can go into the schools for one hour once a week and change these students’ lives. The third grade reading guarantee is putting a lot of pressure on our students and teachers and as a community, we can help.”

    Gary Baker, Board of Education Member

    “In addition to measures already taken, the Board of Education will act swiftly to address issues identified in the final report by the State Auditor as a result of the student attendance data investigation. Additionally, I predict the School Board will make a significant effort to strengthen partnerships throughout the community to improve the district’s academic and operational performance. The Board will establish methods to increase the Board’s engagement with all constituent groups. The Board of Education will pursue an uncompromising focus on student achievement with a renewed sense of urgency.”

    Baker continues with his hopes for the school system: “Above all else, I hope that that the district will make significant progress toward its academic goals to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. Additionally, I hope that our community continues to establish a shared sense of commitment and support for efforts to improve student achievement in our district through such measures as expanding access to high-quality preschool and providing reliable technology to all students and staff. I hope the partnerships that have been developed and nurtured recently continue to prove beneficial to our students.”

    Mike Wiles, departing Board of Education Member

    Mike Wiles leaves the Board of Education with several hopes for the future of the local schools system. Much like the superintendent, Wiles favors a list format in terms of identifying hopes for Columbus City Schools.

    Wiles hopes for more community engagement, listing wish that “Community Leaders will use the entire 1440 minutes allowed to speak at the Board Meetings this year.”

    He also includes academic improvement, listing: “Every School becomes an A+ academic model and The District will improve greatly under the direction of Dr. Good.”

    Wiles hopes for more recognition of neighborhood groups, that the state audit will conclude and for the final item on his list: “The voters will be allowed to decide which initiatives they wish to fund in the next Levy Request.”

    Steph Groce, former Board of Education Member

    Groce weighed in with a quick final comment to close out the predictions and hopes for 2014: “With the board sitting on a $50 million cash balance and $6 million in unallocated cash for 2014, you’d like to think someone would spend the $1.6 million needed for the technology fix.”

    To read more updates on Columbus City School Issues, CLICK HERE.

    For more ongoing discussion on Columbus City Schools, CLICK HERE to visit our Messageboard.

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    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
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