Flagstaff has two public middle schools located on the same North-South corridor, only 1.8 miles away from each other.  FUSD continues to lose middle schoolers (and upper elementary, in anticipation of middle school) to charter schools because families want a middle school closer to home or one that has a better reputation.  There is no doubt that countless families each year from the Fort Valley corridor, Baderville, Railroad Springs, and University heights neighborhoods, among others, are faced with the choice of either staying with FUSD or going to a closer charter school.  Why are these our only choices?  Shouldn't the kids on this side of town get the benefits of community bonds and strong neighborhoods that come with being able to go to your neighborhood public middle school?   Personally, growing up I could walk or bike to my elementary, middle and high school.  Almost every one of my friends went to all the same schools as me and lived nearby.  That's what I want for my kids, too.  And I want to support FUSD.  Public education is what most of us grew up on, and it served us well.

I'm not going to suggest exactly how FUSD do this, but clearly the district has knowledgeable and creative decision-makers that can come up with a good plan given viable options based on financial and enrollment information.  The district may initially say the upgrades to the building will be too costly, but we know there's other schools getting renovations and priorities can be shifted based on what makes the most sense for the district and city as a whole.

Let's re-open Flag Middle!!  Situated to the west of downtown, Flag Middle is perfectly located to become (again) a wonderful neighborhood school to many.   A school we've loved . . well, never really stopped loving.

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