Students, parents voice concern for Vision 2020
JACKSON, Tenn. — In less than a month we should know what the ‘Vision 2020’ plan for the Jackson-Madison County School System holds. As we get closer to a final decision, dozens of parents, students and educators come out in a last effort to make their opinions known. Members of the school board left the meeting with a lot to think about. It was standing room only for most of the night and although there was some new plans discussed it was the public input that took center stage. “It’s not just the schools they’re shutting down, they’re shutting down our communities,” former JCM student Karita Golden said. “They’re shutting down our livelihoods, we don’t have anything left in our communities other than our schools.” High school and elementary schools are on the chopping block with ‘Vision 2020’, which is aimed at restructuring and putting money back into the school system. “I have a child in the system and I want want the best education for her,” school board member Jeffery Head said. “But without dollars for that education, we can’t do it.” But parents said the school system is not looking at the entire picture. “It gets brought up about money but we’re willing to spend money on a new jail,” one parent said. “Incriminate people, instead of spending money on education in our community as a whole.” Consulting firm Kimberly-Horn gave updated proposals based on input from the community. One of them was keeping Jackson Central-Merry High School open, but not as a full high school. Community members said more time needs to be given to look that over. “There does not have to be a deadline for making a decision on this,” Jackson-Madison County NAACP President Harrell Carter said. “Put it off until you get it right, until you get the community’s overall support.” As the weeks wind down before a final decision is made, parents said more needs to be done for their children. “I think the board is trying to do the best that they can,” Carter said. “But this community, based on where we are, requires more.” The plan Kimberly-Horn brought to the table Monday for keeping JCM open would turn it into an early college high school. It is just one of many plans that the school system has to sift through before deciding on ‘Vision 2020.’ The board has said it hopes to make a final decision by December 7.
