Fieldcrest Board should consolidate middle schools

This time around it appears that there is a majority on the board who want to consolidate classes in the middle schools. Board members Kris Klieber and Melinda Tiraboschi indicated a more positive attitude towards consolidating the middle school grades. Ms. Tiraboschi even made the unheard of comment that she had to admit that she was probably wrong about not wanting to consolidate classes. Her children told to her that they felt that it would be better for the students if they were in class together before they reach high school.

It is refreshing to see someone in a responsible position change their mind and admit they may have miscalculated their stance on a subject. I salute Ms. Tiraboschi for her honesty and for being open-minded. But what I find even more interesting is the fact that her children seem to have a better grasp on the situation in our schools than we adults.

We often look at a situation through the eyes of our own prejudices rather than through the eyes of those we are trying to help and serve. Contrast Ms. Tiraboschi's comments with the diatribe laid down by the president of the board, Jeff Pickard. Mr. Pickard's comments reflect the same old tired comments we have been hearing for years. He claimed that the board does not have a long term solution. If consolidation of classes into attendance centers isn't part of a long term solution, what is, short of closing down the school? He has been on the board longer than anyone. Why hasn't there been a long term solution proposed during his watch? It seems Mr. Pickard is saying that anyting less than a complete solution is not worth consideration.

We have to realize that we live in a changing world and we must adapt. Most analysts indicate that our education system is losing ground to the rest of the world. We are involved in a global economy where jobs are exported to the lowest bidder with the necessary skills. If we are to survive in this global economy, we must improve our education system so that we can bid competitively on future jobs. This means not only providing more money for our schools, but also making decisions that are based on the improvement of our education system.

As much as we hate to give up our traditions, it will be necessary for us to adapt to a new way of life in order to survive. Fifty years from now China will probably be the number one economic power in the world. Where will we be?

Board member Pat Schmillen said that attendance centers really won't save the school any money because cuts have already been made. Besides being wrong, she also does not seem to realize that it is not just about saving money. It also is about improving our quality of education. Children will receive the same education as the rest of their peers rather than getting two different educations as is now done in our middle schools at Toluca and Wenona.

Maybe we should ask the students themselves about how they feel about attendance centers? At least we might get an answer that is not filtered through years of tradition and prejudice that comes from "thinking inside the box".