East Valley schools restructuring falls short

As a longtime East Valley resident and retired Spokane Public Schools elementary teacher, I am opposed to the current attempt to restructure the East Valley school system.

The early American school system was based upon the local school as the community educational center of the learning, social and gathering center for the community activities. The proposed plan would create elementary schools of 750 students, where the best atmosphere for the community can’t be realized. Kindergarten through eighth grade creates many problems.

Modern elementary schools weren’t built to facilitate the learning for students in kindergarten through grade eight. Hallways, bathrooms and site size do not fit the larger students. Levy money would be needed to make our schools adaptable for the 750 students who would be attending the K-8 program. Running a levy during difficult economic times for the changes necessary to remodel these schools is not justified at this time.

The vast differences in ages between elementary students and middle school students create problems for both groups. The physical, social and mental development of students is too large to be overcome in the confines of an elementary school. Neither group would readily accept nor find satisfaction in this learning environment.

Teachers working together in the elementary and middle schools build a cohesive unit which, through the years, creates the best opportunity for student learning. Mutual teacher goals can best be achieved when elementary and middle school teachers work with their peers to develop and adopt educational objectives for our students.

Making East Valley Middle School into an administration and maintenance office is tax dollars poorly spent and the space is better used teaching children.

Parents with students in grades one through eight could have their students in two different schools. This would be a problem for parents, especially working parents, to become involved in activities in two schools, rather than devote their time and energies into learning and related school activities, such as conferences, PTA and school programs, which could be done in their neighborhood school.

The greatest concern for all of us is the safety of our children. Restructuring our schools puts the students in danger, whether walking or riding buses. Younger children will be required to walk to school without having the safety of older siblings or neighbors walking and helping them arrive to school safely. Bus students would be required to make the extra stop when being bused to two different schools. Buses running late on snow covered roads would have another delay getting to school because of multiple bus stops. Utmost safety should be the No. 1 priority for our students.

I believe that the current proposed restructuring changes to the East Valley School District would have a very negative affect on the learning and social development of our students. I am forming “Patrons Against Restructuring District Schools” as a vehicle to collect names to stop the school board from setting a levy date for restructuring the East Valley Schools. Supporters can contact me at anjtupper@netzero.net.