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Conversion Plan Would Meet Demand for Specialty Schools
Superintendent John E. Deasy is targeting five underenrolled schools.
(Nikki Kahn - The Washington Post)
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The speakers questioned the proximity of young students to Nicholas Orem, a school with longstanding performance-related problems. Another concern was the site's proximity to East West Highway, which could make walking to school difficult for youngsters.
The speakers urged the board to allow more time to examine other sites and get more community input.
"Only one option is being presented," Atteberry said. "As much as I want a new school, I must respectfully ask that you table this."
"I'm concerned that a vote in favor may preclude some of the other options that have been discussed," Gardiner said. "I'm asking that whichever way this new school decision goes forward, please engage us."
Board members said that their hands were tied and that other plots of land considered hadn't been feasible, leaving the site near Nicholas Orem as the only choice. The board passed the plan after a short discussion.
"I want to acknowledge the problems we've had communicating with the community around this issue," said Heather Iliff (District 2), who represents the Hyattsville area. "We are in a very tight geographic location with very limited options."
Gardiner said he hoped the board would keep an open mind about other sites and work hard to improve Nicholas Orem's performance. The elementary school is projected to open in August 2011.
Fond Farewell to the Board
Haywood L. Perry III, the outgoing student member of the Board of Education, bid a happy farewell to his colleagues last week as he prepared to head off to the University of Pennsylvania to study philosophy, politics and economics.
Perry, known for his polished manners, was an active member of the board and wasn't afraid to tangle with his adult counterparts. When members moved to strip him of his right to vote in elections for the board's leadership, he parried the attempt. Last week, he cast two important votes in a closely contested debate over whether the school system should buy a new headquarters.
He got a standing ovation, a few gifts and kind words from the superintendent and board members at his final meeting.
"I've been extremely hard on you, Haywood, but I love you," said Pat Fletcher (District 3).
"It is going to hurt me to see you go out the door," said Linda Thornton Thomas (District 4). "You've laid the groundwork for every single person that's going to follow you."
Perry called his year with the board "phenomenal" and said, "Our community has a number of different challenges, but we can't afford to fail."
He will yield his seat to Edward Burroughs III, a rising junior at Crossland High School.
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