|
BOE approves ending busing for desegregation
In a history-making decision, the Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Winston Brooks' plan to eliminate busing for desegregation purposes.
The decades-old practice of busing students based on race for the purpose of desegregation will end beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. Superintendent Brooks' final report to the Board, including a summary of community feedback, can be found on the district's website.
Board members said their vote was a difficult decision, but one they took very seriously. Before the vote, each board member had a chance to share their thoughts. Board of Education President Connie Dietz and Barb Fuller talked about being teachers during the first year the plan was implemented and how it affected them and their students. Kevass Harding and Lanora Nolan shared their own experiences with being bused for desegregation when they were in school; Harding's experiences were in Wichita and Nolan's experiences were in Dallas. All board members said that student achievement is first and foremost of their priorities with approving this plan.
"We are committed to diversity in our district," said Dietz. "It doesn't matter which school it is in our district, we will have a highly qualified teacher who will welcome them with open arms and will teach them. And they will learn. That is our guarantee."
"I want all parents to have the same choices for their children, no matter where they live," said Board of Education Vice President Lynn Rogers.
"I believe that what we're doing is historic and monumental," said Harding. "None of us are free until all of us are free. Taking these steps is not easy, but I have the heart and the passion to take them."
More information on the parents’ options, parent contact timeline, feedback from community meetings, and other information can be found by clicking here.
Five community meetings were held in January to inform parents about the plan and to gather feedback. One item that has been added to the proposal based on community feedback is the appointment of a Busing Oversight Transition Committee to monitor the implementation of the plan. A policy on the new committee will be discussed during the February 11 meeting.
January 28, 2008
|