challengewv.org/newsletter/preston-takeover-has-optimis -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 10/18/2009
Last Visited: 10/18/2009
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (L to R) Challenge WV members Jana Freeman, Arvin Harsh, Superintendent Dr. Larry Parsons, and Challenge WV Executive Director Thomas Ramey
...
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (L to R) Challenge WV members Jana Freeman, Arvin Harsh, Superintendent Dr. Larry Parsons, and Challenge WV Executive Director Thomas Ramey
...
Preston County's new state-appointed superintendent Dr. Larry Parsons told Challenge WV, "My goal is to return trust and integrity to the county school system."
The state Board of Education seized control of the Preston County school system, citing serious financial, facility, curriculum and leadership problems.
"A community-school based bond to improve Preston schools is a reasonable move," Dr. Parsons said, indicating rural community schools and their supporters have "No reason to be treated like bastard children."
...
Parsons contends that community schools are places with values.
Long time advocate for community schools and Preston resident, Arvin Harsh, said "Long bus rides certainly haven't helped students perform and achieve, and they have added enormous costs to the system."
"We buy kids plastic toys for Christmas that are sold in yard sales in June.
Investing in our children's education is something they take with them every day of their life," Superintendent Parsons said.
Challenge WV Executive Director Thomas Ramey asked Dr. Parsons if he had been sent to Preston to close schools.
Parsons replied "Anyone who believes that is ill-informed."
...
Superintendent Parsons said "We certainly are not going to throw Fellowsville Elementary under the bus," like many of WV's rural schools that have been closed and consolidated.
Community leader Arvin Harsh added "The promise of having a middle school in Aurora has not been forgotten, and I believe Dr. Parsons understands how that particular puzzle piece fits in order to get a bond passed."
Parsons had success with the Mason County school system, giving $14 million back to the School Building Authority, defying consolidation efforts.
...
Superintendent Parsons assured Challenge fellows that "I will do my part to get it done.