The district says the goal of its “Superintendent’s Priority Schools” program is to boost available resources and support students primarily in economically disadvantaged areas. Spokesman Gabe Ross says it’s too early to say what changes will be made at the schools – but he says something has to be done.
Ross: “If we’re not proactive and we’re not looking for solutions on a day-in, day-out basis, then ultimately we’re going to continue to struggle and our schools are going to continue to get worse.”
Ross says that could include principals and teachers losing their jobs. Last week, the state identified Oak Ridge Elementary as one of its lowest-performing schools. That entitles Oak Ridge to receive up to $2 million in federal grants. Ross says federal Title I money, and other private and public resources will be used to give additional funding to the other five schools.
District officials say the next step is to meet with teachers, parents and stakeholders to discuss changes.
The schools include Oak Ridge Elementary, Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary, Jedediah Smith Elementary, Fern Bacon Basic Middle, Will C. Wood Middle and Hiram W. Johnson High.
The schools include Oak Ridge Elementary, Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary, Jedediah Smith Elementary, Fern Bacon Basic Middle, Will C. Wood Middle and Hiram W. Johnson High.
