Neighborhood Schools
Friday, September 3, 2004
"The closing of neighborhood schools is a mistake." I said that in announcing my candidacy for Mayor and I say it now and I will continue supporting neighborhood schools if elected Mayor. It appears that Jefferson School will be removed from its neighborhood and moved far to the west. The need for a new school on the west side of the bypass is no reason to remove Jefferson School from its neighborhood. Jefferson School is not the only school threatened. Leverett Elementary is next and after that Washington Elementary will be on the chopping block.
While the Mayor and City Council do not decide school issues, at the same time the school district has to work with the city government when planning and building new facilities. I hope that the school district will start working with the city government and Fayetteville citizens, taxpayers, and parents to make this an even better community - including active and concerned neighborhoods.