Community schools are well worth saving

Albemarle County school leaders face a critical decision now about schools — whether to close three small rural elementary schools in favor of one large central school.

The three communities, Scottsville, Esmont and Red Hill, are all strong communities with proud histories and have overcome many obstacles to create attractive and viable communities. Removal of the local school makes each community a less desirable place to live.

Closing the neighborhood school works against Albemarle’s stated growth policy of encouraging strong, walkable neighborhoods throughout the county.
The following facts argue overwhelmingly in favor of preserving Scottsville, Yancey and Red Hill schools:
l Small schools and strong neighborhoods offer young children more personal attention and a better chance for academic success.
l A new central elementary school at the Walton school site will cost millions of additional tax dollars in road and water improvements.
l Local arts organizations will provide before- and after-school programs more effectively in community schools.
l Parents and teachers, the backbone of the school system, are overwhelmingly against closing the three schools.
l Community schools do more than just provide education — they serve as catalysts for learning and community involvement that involves the total neighborhood.

“What is a community school? Boiled down to the basics, a community school is both a set a partnerships and a place where services, supports and opportunities lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. …

“Using public schools as a hub, inventive, enduring relationships among educators, families, community volunteers, business, health and school service agencies, youth development organizations and others committed to children are changing the educational landscape — permanently — by transforming traditional schools into partnerships for excellence.”

So says “Community Schools: Partnerships for Excellence,” Coalition for Community Schools, In-stitute for Educational Leadership, July 2009, pp. 1-2, OED Online, Oxford University Press.

Lindsay G. Dorrier Jr.
Albemarle County