02/08/10 - Madison County

By: Mallory Cooke
mcooke@wbbjtv.com
6:00 p.m.
 
Big changes could soon be on the way for Jackson-Madison County Schools. Parents, teachers, and students will have the opportunity to voice their concerns about a new reorganization proposal Tuesday afternoon.
 
Dr. Nancy Zambito admits Jackson-Madison County Schools have their share of problems. "Our scores are not anywhere near where they need to be," she said.
 
Zambito hopes a new reorganization plan can change that. "It is the right thing for the students, so I hope they go forward with it next year," she said.
 
The proposal groups all students in K-5 together, 6th-8th grade together, and high schools will stay the same. The goal is to eliminate the number of times students change schools. "The first year that a child is in a new school is a difficult year for that child, at least from the standpoint of test scores and achievement," said Jackson Madison County School Director of Operations and Financial Planning, Buddy White.
 
In the proposal, Whitehall would become a preschool center and students at Washington Douglas would move elsewhere. North Parkway Elementary will become a middle school. "The teachers are facing the possibility, probability, that their jobs will change," said White. 
 
But changes bring costs. If the proposal passes and North Parkway Elementary becomes a middle school, the district will be forced to hire a new principal and assistant principal. Then, tack on about an additional $65,000 for athletic equipment at the new middle school. Still, school officials maintain the budget will stay in the black. "Our savings will more than offset our cost," said White.
 
Zambito wants change sooner rather than later. "These kids can do it. The teachers can do it. We just need to get the hurdles out of their way and this is one," said Zambito.
 
School board members will hear from the public Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. School officials said people could see the changes as early as the next school year.