Parents need voice, choice in reassignments

If you are a Wake County parent, you most likely have a personal interest in the debate surrounding the county’s public school reassignment plan. To date, numerous education columns have recounted the merits and flaws of traditional calendars versus year-round programs. Others have focused on the increasing disconnect and hostility between local parents and the Wake County school board.   Lost in the discussion, however, seems to be the core issue--the issue of choice.

 

In the 1990s, Wake County enjoyed the success of several pilot year-round programs. In just two years, year-round enrollment figures increased more than tenfold. Visitors to West Lake Middle School in the late 90s may recall marveling at the community’s pride for its school: hallways and classrooms sparkled with the refreshing energy of active parental involvement. 

 

At that time, Wake County families had a choice. Many parents opted to keep their children on a traditional academic calendar. For other families, however, the year-round model was a good fit. And at schools like West Lake, parents by and large were satisfied with their decision.

 

That’s the great thing about choice. When people make decisions based on what works best for them, they tend to be more satisfied with the results. And if they’re not, they have the power to change their minds.

 

Flash forward to the present debate, and the climate is much less rosy. Families who currently wish to remain in traditional schools share many of the same concerns as year-round advocates: student learning retention, community involvement, transportation, family schedules and traditions, and overall academic and social impact. 

 

Certainly, there are other factors at play as well, such as the school board’s propensity to impose reassignment plans without regard for parental or judicial input. Still, parents on both sides of the argument believe that--for various, valid reasons--one system is a better fit for their children than the other. 

 

The crux of the problem is parents’ lack of choice in the matter. And for their children, it ultimately could be a matter of success or failure.

 
Published in The Cary News, February 13, 2008