posted May 22, 2008
From what I have gathered at the meetings in East Ridge is, East Ridge is getting a new school. Mr. Adams and Dr. Scales both confirmed that. I also gathered that they both want to consolidate East Ridge Elementary and McBrien.
The money seems to be their main focus and not the personalization of education children will get from a smaller school. Many studies have proven smaller schools are better for our children. I read an article on Monday that said the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation had invested $1.8 billion to build smaller schools for about 400 students. The trend for the past decade is toward smaller schools. School districts all over the country are taking notice, along with mayors in large cities like New York and Chicago. The article also goes on to say that about 500 more schools of this size are on the drawing board.
I want to see proof that a bigger school is better. Dr. Scales could not provide that proof at either meeting in East Ridge this week.
Mr. Adams has compared the Hamilton county school system to the Shelby county system. But he fails to inform us that Shelby county schools system does not include the city of Memphis. They have not merged as we have.
It sounds like Mr. Adams is trying to manipulate our community. Mr. Adams must have a plan for the McBrien school. Like moving all the city workshops there or creating a city business park. He must want to move these facilities out of the low lying flood plains. As we all know he is not only our county commissioner but also the East Ridge city manager. This fact alone is cause enough to speculate on his motives.
East Ridge has said they do not have the money right now to invest in a project at McBrien. But in two to three years, which is about how long it will take to build a new school, they could have the money from a private investor or tax money to invest in a project there. I wonder if there is a personal or political gain for Mr. Adams in doing so.
All in all I was unimpressed with Dr. Scales and his presentation of his facts. And wonder who was running the show since Mr. Adams tried to cut the meeting short both nights. Dr. Scales seemed to increase the student population as the night went on. He did not have dollar amount facts about savings. And on talk radio this morning he again gave a false student count at all three East Ridge elementary schools. McBrien also deteriorated to the point of falling down overnight.
I hope our elected school board takes a hard look at the credibility of Mr. Adams and Dr. Scales on this issue.
Daniel T. Brookshire
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