Small schools, not ‘small’ education

In reading the article of June 21 headlined “Will county save 3 smaller schools?” (The Daily Progress), I was bothered by remarks made by Sue Friedman, a member of the Albemarle County school system’s long-term planning committee and of the southern feeder planning committee.

She stated that “the study team didn’t look at money as a primary issue… The No. 1 issue is equable education for every child.”

I was the teacher representative for Scottsville on that study team, and I beg to differ with Ms. Friedman’s statement. The $900,000 savings by closing the three schools was flashed up quite a bit, and I felt indeed it was about money.

I feel that some individuals have ignored the gains these schools have made in achievement with their students.

I would proudly stack Scottsville Elementary School up against any other elementary school in Albemarle County as far as providing an equable education for every child.

I cordially invite anyone to come into our schools and sit in on instruction. Decide for yourselves if these schools are inadequate and providing a “lesser quality of instruction” to their students, as was stated by an area principal during the June 14 School Board teleconference.

Save your money, Albemarle County, by leaving these three schools open. Al-low them to continue providing their children the best learning environment for success. We may be small, but we are strong, and our students are achieving.

Anne Conrad
Albemarle County