JMCS board holds retreat to discuss ‘Vision 2020’ plan
JACKSON, Tenn.-For almost 6 hours Monday, the Jackson-Madison County School Board talked details about restructuring the district. When the board retreat started at 3 p.m., parents and community members packed the Ayers Auditorium at Jackson State Community College. Many held signs pleading their case to keep their schools open. Leaders told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News, this marathon meeting was less about decisions and more about information. “These are tough decisions and none of it is going to be easy, so this is really to have people listen to the thought process,” said Dr. Verna Ruffin, superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools. The board discussed the pros and cons of each possible school closure as well as the costs to the district for modifying buildings and the impact to students. Some parents said they can not let the board make a decision without letting them know the impact of their decisions. “We moved to that community just because of the school and the great potential of our kids getting a great education,” said one parent, Clint Ragan. “Beech Bluff (Elementary School) is strong they are very involved in their school and the TCAP scores are good. There’s no need to close a school that’s doing that well,” said concerned parent Labina Maxwell. Watch WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News at 6:30 on CBS 7, Tuesday as school board chairman Jim Campbell answers your ‘Vision 2020’ questions.
