By Mark Pike
Anderson resident
In a Feb. 6 editorial The Herald Bulletin argues that the Madison County School Alliance (MCSA) is opposed to the recent decision of the Anderson Community Schools board to merge two high schools into one, prompting us to form a new school district.
That’s not an accurate portrayal of MCSA.
We are dissatisfied with ACS graduation rates, the move from smaller neighborhood elementary schools to larger schools with larger classrooms, a demonstrated lack of interest in input from the community and dismal academic results. We are concerned about increased transportation costs and the time children spend on the bus.
We are troubled by a lethal mix of increasing debt, high per pupil spending and poor academic performance. For years the ACS board has been spending more money and getting less in academic performance. Schools in adjacent communities are spending less and achieving significantly better results. Something is wrong with this picture.
We believe more of the same is not good enough — things must change.
We seek schools that are smaller in class size and closer to the neighborhoods where students live so parents can be more involved. We seek graduation rates above the state average along with responsible management of funds. Our goal is for students to have more opportunities in the arts, academics, and athletics. We seek safe and secure schools for all children. We believe these aspirations are shared by parents and families from every racial and economic background.
The Herald Bulletin asserts we are sending the wrong message to youth.
What does MCSA say to students? We can do better and so can you.
This change must start with us; parents, grandparents and neighbors — we must set the pace and tone. We agree with Dr. Chow when he states that parents are obligated to get the best education they can for their children. That is why we are taking the initiative, working together to form a new school district so we can try innovative ideas for a quality education for our sons, our daughters and our grandchildren.
We invite you to join us.
On behalf of the Madison County School Alliance: Troy Abbott, Donna Etchison, Rick Fulaytar, Mark Pike, Gary Price, Timothy Price and Dwayne Smith.
Letters
Viewpoint: School alliance: More of same not good enough
Group dissatisfied with ACS graduation rates
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Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
To save America some money — by acclimation of course — let’s not have a presidential election in 2012. We already have a good president who will do his best to kill all Republican bills (DOA) and, consequently, create more good-paying jobs in the $30 per hour range.
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Letter: Gingrich cashes in on political amnesia
Rasmussen says that Romney has flattened nationally. Why?
Two reasons seem to tell the tale. Gingrich has shown that he will fight, and Romney is a Mormon, believed to be a “cult” by a majority of evangelicals. -
Letter: Hiring Winkler not wise spending
As a taxpayer I want to know that my taxes are being spent wisely. Hiring Greg Winkler at a salary of $126,000 is not wise spending.
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Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
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Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
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Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
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Viewpoint: Look at Creation Museum from an educational, scientific perspective
I encourage any and all who have interest in this vitally important topic to “go to the source,” to invest the time and energy into exploring The Creation Museum for themselves.
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Letter: Blame the voters for our Congress
Why is insider trading legal for Congress and illegal for the rest of us? They make and enact laws for all of us, but then exempt members of Congress. Somehow this doesn’t seem to pass the smell test.
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Letter: Smith’s firings appear vindictive
Anderson is a city of negative publicity and actions. Why else is Sears leaving? Can we stand four years of vindictive actions and negative reporting?
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Letter: Planned devaluation of dollar is coming
I’ve submitted letters regarding the existence of a global elite for years now. I’m now submitting another one in which I hope readers will take note of.
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Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
