CALL TO ACTION:

We presently see a need for in person presentations of information, Q&A, and listening sessions to be held at the 12 schools designated for potential repurposing through the HCPS Attendance Boundary Analysis project. Please read this message and consider signing and/or writing directly to the school board and superintendent to ask for the communities most impacted by possible school repurposing to receive specific information about the proposed plans and easily provide their feedback directly to school board members and the Superintendent. 

To date, no meetings have been held or scheduled within the communities most impacted by the scenarios offered by the district for school repurposing. No meetings have been scheduled at the schools which are being considered for repurposing. Families and community members most impacted should be prioritized in communications about the HCPS Attendance Boundary Analysis project and have not been.

In addition, authentic and differentiated communication about this project is required. There is a distinction between a boundary change and a school repurposing. In a boundary change, children may shift from one school to another within the district. It is certainly a major change in children, family, and community life. However, school repurposing effectively closes the school. Losing a school is a drastic change for an entire community.

The online tool for feedback has been difficult to navigate for many. The mapping interface requires time, skills, and background knowledge to explore effectively. In particular it is difficult to navigate for people who use mobile devices to access the internet. Everyone should have easy access to share their thoughts and concerns as well as to ask questions.

The 12 schools which are up for repurposing are: Just Elementary, Adams Middle, Monroe Middle, Cleveland Elementary, Kimbell Elementary, McLane Middle, Morgan Woods Elementary, Jennings Middle, Smith Middle, Madison Middle, Chamberlain High (partial), Greco Middle (partial). 

In addition to signing this petition, please consider immediately writing to our Superintendent and school board at: Addison.Davis@hcps.net; Nadia.Combs@hcps.net; Stacy.Hahn@hcps.net;  Jessica.Vaughn@hcps.net; Patricia.Rendon@hcps.net; Karen.Perez@hcps.net; Lynn.Gray@hcps.net; Henry.Washington@hcps.net with the message: “Please provide feedback sessions AT all 12 schools up for repurposing NOW.”