Small Classes But Closed Doors at Brentwood Schools?

There has been a great deal of coverage on the issue of  students from unaccredited school districts seeking other options.  Beyond the big picture issues of race and access to quality education at the center of the debate, the logistics of having kids travel 20+ miles each way, every day, to school doesn't make common or logistical sense.

I'm pleased to see that the school boards of several districts, some closer to Normandy and Riverview Gardens, have stepped up to revise their admission guidelines and welcome these students seeking a quality education to their communities.  Kirkwood has voted to adjust it's guidelines as well, illustrating its ongoing openness and warmth to those outside its geographical boundaries.

Brentwood Schools, located in the "City of Warmth" ... not so much.  There is no word of the Brentwood School Board opening its doors to these students, though class sizes are small and as a result, extracurricular options are limited.  Also, Brentwood fails to provide the diversity its students must experience to be prepared for the world they are inheriting.

I can't help but to make a connection to the resistance representatives of the school district have shown to Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars who hope to re-locate to Brentwood.  These students are required to have good grades and jobs, and participate in extracurriculars, tutoring and college preparation activities.  The district's position is that having 5-7 of these students across six grades will have a negative impact on the district's financials and academic performance. 

It seems there are some tough questions to be asked of the Superintendent.  And to those in the community ... what kind of community do residents of the "City of Warmth" want to be?    If you agree that BHGH scholars would be a positive addition to our community, please contact your alderman or speak out at the Board's meeting on August 5, 7:00 pm.

Information regarding the move of BHGH to Brentwood can be found at www.hopebuildsinbrentwood.org.