Re-thinking local education

By Staff
Feb. 2, 2003
The fundamental problems in the Meridian Public School System are so deeply intertwined in the fabric of our community that, clearly, there are no single stroke answers. But is improving our local public school system the education equivalent of a Gordian knot, a problem without a solution?
We think not. We think solutions are out there and that the Meridian School Board has adopted a wise and prudent course to find them. Call it a voyage of discovery as the school board establishes the parameters of its search for a new superintendent, eventually resulting in finding a single person who shares a vision as defined by the community.
First, the vision
But the vision must come first. By appointing two new work groups with specific tasks, challenges and time frames, the school board has recognized that two dozen heads are better than one. These individuals  including school board members  have a daunting but not impossible mission.
Under a general challenge from school board president Fred Wile "to bring clear, concise, brief statements of findings for board consideration," the work groups should find their sessions lively and stimulating. Much the way education itself should be.
It is no secret that the Meridian Public School District is plagued by such problems as declining test scores, a disturbing trend toward re-segregation, declining population and tight finances. In many ways, the school system simply mirrors the city of Meridian.
By encouraging participation in the open-to-the-public sessions of the work groups, the school board has sent the message that everyone has an equal opportunity to weigh in with ideas and suggestions. That list should include:
Parents, so often chided for not spending enough time with their children, helping them learn to read at home and assisting with homework. Parents should have great ideas about how to improve the system.
Teachers, so pressed in so many ways to provide institutional day care instead of a daily learning experience. Teachers see education up close and personal and should be heard.
Students, all too often the victims of the lower expectations inherent in a failing system, have the largest stake in this entire process and should be very aggressive at expressing their views.
Taxpayers whose hard work and money fund the lion's share of local education should make their voices heard.
Leadership
We applaud the leadership of the school board, particularly President Wile and Vice President Ed Lynch, for their willingness to engage all of the stakeholders in this community. We encourage members of the work groups to take their tasks seriously and respond to the tremendous opportunity offered them.
We look forward to the day when the Meridian Public School District holds each of its components to consistently high standards of achievement across the board, standards which truly give students a clear advantage as they engage the ultimate challenge life.