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The following is a statement to the citizens of High Point and members of the Guilford County Board of Education, issued on Tuesday, February 07, 2006.

Over the past several years, as the Guilford County Schools system has made student reassignments and changes in educational policy, many High Point citizens have asked the City Council to be an advocate for the High Point schools.

Every member of the City Council, both present and past members, desires that the highest quality schools serve our community and our students. While the intent of some has been to have the City Council adopt a position in support of or in opposition to a particular issue, the City Council has not assumed a role of single-issue advocacy. However, the City Council is keenly aware of the strife and division that has developed in our community over our schools.

Last year as our community continued to question the effectiveness of the public schools’ policies, the City Council decided to take an important step towards evaluating our community’s educational prospects for success. Council unanimously agreed that we needed a clear, unbiased examination of academic and skill attainment. The goal was to establish a beginning point for the whole community to rally around in order to begin a climate change for education in High Point.

This data was compiled as part of a more extensive workforce skills assessment that the City commissioned in 2005. While there was disturbing information about the preparation of many of our young people, it was apparent that a total community investment must occur if we are to achieve the primary goal – a solid educational experience that prepares students for the jobs of the future.

It is very disturbing and counter-productive to continue a debate that focuses on where children go to school rather than what the educational environment will be when they get there. While there are legitimate issues that are serious and can alter the lives of people, until there is confidence that all schools will provide an opportunity to learn, there will continue to be school preferences that are argued under other guises -- whether it be neighborhood school, magnets or socio-economic diversity.

There have been some public comments that indicate some closed meetings have been held between the City Council and Guilford County Schools. High Point City Council members met with Dr. Terry Grier and Erik Hoekstra during the week of January 22, 2006, to be briefed on the proposed redistricting maps and accompanying demographic data.

The Mayor had initiated these meetings. Two meetings were held with four City Council members present at each session. Mr. Wilkins did not attend. Some members of the City Council had spoken at the public information sessions, some had watched the process on television, but all wanted to clearly understand the impact of the maps that had been drawn at the direction of the GCS Board members.
The High Point City Council respects the authority and responsibility of the Guilford County Board of Education. That Board and staff have briefed the City Council on various issues over the years. The City Council’s desire to have a greater understanding of the current redistricting issue is fueled by a number of factors.

1. Data contained in the Workforce Preparedness Study bring into sharp focus critical issues that are and will continue to impact our community both economically and educationally.

a. Significant numbers of our adult citizens (approximately 18,000) do not have a high school diploma or GED. However, in parts of High Point, it was found that 33-50% of adults 25 years and older do not have a high school diploma or GED.

b. Forty of the 50 fastest growing occupations require post high school education, but many of our current/future workers will not be ready for career changes and job transition.

c. Too many of our young people are graduating from high school without the requisite skills to enter higher education or the workforce.

d. Twenty- five to 33 % of the high school graduates who enter GTCC require at least one remedial course; 10-20% needs two or three courses to begin a college curriculum. GTCC will spend $2.5 million on remedial courses in this fiscal year.

e. The data indicate that too many middle school students are not ready for a rigorous high school curriculum.

f. While achievement scores are improving, we still are below state averages.

g. Average SAT scores for High Point students indicate less academic preparation for college-bound graduates.

2. The continued debate and division among our citizens about education issues/
policies have had a serious negative impact on High Point both internally, as
parts of the City have become polarized, and externally, as our reputation as a
good place to live, regardless of address, is questioned.

It is our collective intent to affirm certain principles that we strongly encourage you to consider.

1. A conducive learning environment and community confidence in education polices have, as their foundation, safe schools.

2. Behavior standards that are clearly defined and impartially enforced are basic to maintaining respect and order and will be supported by the community.

3. Preserving/protecting/isolating parts of any system will breed distrust and skepticism.

4. A successful educational experience for our children is the ultimate goal and the responsibility for attainment includes, but is certainly not limited to, GCS.

5. For any community to commit to a program of change that will require substantial monetary investment and human capital, there must be open, honest and candid discussion about the process of educating our children.

As a community, we must commit to improve the educational opportunities for all our children. That must include a safe, healthy environment for all our children. Confidence and support for the public schools must be restored. We must work together to solve the core issue of preparing our children for the 21st century opportunities and challenges they will face.

It has been obvious from the tenor of the public meetings on redistricting that the majority of the public appreciates your service and does not envy you your responsibilities. But, first and foremost, most of those who spoke were parents whose primary concerns were their children -- as we all would expect.

We urge that your decisions be based on educational objectives for all the children of Guilford County and not be constrained by the boundaries of any districts. Then, you can challenge all of us to join you in creating a successful learning experience for all.

Signed:

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Rebecca R. Smothers, Mayor

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John Faircloth, At-large Council Member

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Latimer B. Alexander, IV, At-large Council Member

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Ronald B. Wilkins, Ward 1 Council Member

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William S. Bencini, Jr., Ward 4 Council Member

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M. Christopher Whitley, Ward 5 Council Member

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Lisa M. Stahlmann, Ward 6 Council Member