by Katie McCormick
As some of you know, there is an election this weekend regarding a millage renewal that would be used to fuse the elementary schools in Ruston. It is important to know that the millage is not an increase on what we are already paying: no taxes will change.
Approximately 10 years ago, our four city elementary schools had to reconfigure to comply with a desegregation order, which is why our schools are currently split into K-2 and 3-5. This was a change that had to be made rather quickly, and, at the time, was the best plan in order to comply.
The new proposal would keep the current school zones the same, but grades K-5 would be on one campus instead of two for each zone. While this may seem like a logical proposal to some, it has become quite the controversial topic. Before I share my thoughts on this proposal, I would like to share why it’s important to me.
I have 4 kids currently attending 4 Ruston city schools. Caroline is at LPECC, Harlow is in 1st grade at Glen View, Keller is in 4th grade at Cypress Springs, and Hayes is in 6th grade at IA Lewis. When I tell you we love our schools, we LOVE our schools. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love them. I’m quite certain I get on people’s nerves because of how much I love them.
Our schools have wonderful administrators and teachers and staff who are truly passionate about not only education, but the impact a positive school experience can have on a child’s life. The opportunities they have because of the size of their schools are so valuable. And I love the kids we go to school with. I truly feel like it’s a beautiful real life lesson in seeing that people from all different backgrounds and cultures and with all different abilities and opinions can come together to be something great. I love our schools and what they have been for my kids.
With every year that passes, my passion for the public school system grows and shifts. I used to want the schools to be great because my kids were in them. But today, I want the public schools to be great for every other child who attends them. Education is where it all begins. And while some kids start out with advantages, others start out with the odds stacked against them. School is what sets kids up to be successful. School is the foundation for everything.
And while no school is perfect, I believe we as a community should support our schools and listen to the experts when they tell us how to make the educational experience better for everyone. The stronger our school system is, the stronger our town is. The better equipped our school system is to meet the needs of the kids who need the most, the more every child will thrive.
I feel this plan for school fusion has so many positives. The other elementary schools in Lincoln Parish have at least grades K-5 combined, if not more. Going to one school for K-5 grades allows kids and their families to feel like a school is their home and develop a deeper pride. Having one school instead of two allows parents to be more involved and form closer relationships with staff. Children would greatly benefit from fewer transitions, especially kids who struggle with change. This will specifically be hugely beneficial for all SPED children as transitions are exponentially harder for them. Children would spend less time on buses when they are dropping off and picking up from one location versus two. It is easier to keep two buildings safe and secure versus four.
I’ve seen concerns about property value being affected, however multiple realtors have confirmed property value is affected by the school you are zoned for, not the proximity to your home. The existing buildings would still serve important purposes and not be left vacant. Cypress Springs is the proposed new location for the School Board Central Office. The Boys and Girls Club has requested use of Ruston Elementary, and I see that bringing so much value to so many. Their organization does wonderful work and allowing them to use RES would allow them to expand the services they provide. The current school buildings in Ruston are aging and will continue to require significant costs for upkeep. It makes financial sense to invest in fewer school buildings going forward to save money in years to come.
I’ve seen people make the argument about protecting our buildings or people protecting their neighborhoods. I think the priority should actually be the kids and their educational experience. Amazing things are happening in Ruston city schools, from preK all the way to 12th grade. I see it myself in my kids’ schools and I hear about it from friends who teach at RJHS and RHS. If you are wanting more information, I encourage you to speak to someone who works in Ruston city schools or someone who currently has children in the Ruston city schools. We all have different opinions of course, but I think the perspectives that are most helpful are from those actually involved in the schools.
I will be voting yes, and I look forward to supporting LPSB in doing their best to continue moving our educational system forward.
