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a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones
Parents in Griffin-Spalding County care about public education! My experience, especially this last week, is that they care deeply. I had the privilege of meeting with Program Challenge parents a few days ago. They invited me, through their parent organization, to share my thoughts about the potential closing of Program Challenge Center because of our funding situation. Although it was a dark and rainy evening, the attendance was fantastic with more than 100 parents and students present. After their normal business meeting to coordinate trips and other events, I shared with them where the school system is with cost-reduction planning and the potential impact to Program Challenge. I also had the good fortune to have Mrs. Ashley Crawford with me. Currently the director of elementary curriculum, she is also the chair of the cost-reduction committee looking at improving our gifted delivery model. Let me tell you about that evening... I began by sharing that anytime people believe that something negative is going to happen they are not in a very receptive mood. That was true of this group. They were skeptical. They believed the worst was yet to come; at least that was my impression. As we began our conversation, it became clear to me that they wanted to find out what we thought, where we were, and what options were being considered. Mrs. Crawford openly shared the work of her committee. After explaining the different models that our gifted program can use, she then talked about some of the deliberations her committee had. Then we fielded questions and gave answers. At times some of the parents didn't ask a question, but rather stated an opinion. That was fine. From my perspective, and the reason I wanted to share this with you, is what I witnessed that evening. There was open communication between parents, teachers, and parents who are also teachers who care about a program. They wanted to know if the committee had considered some of the things that they had discussed. I am very thankful that they were willing to say, "Here's what I think. Have you thought about this?" For example, if you decide to have Program Challenge in schools, have you considered the cost associated with the teachers moving back and forth, materials for each school, and the wear and tear of materials? We were able to say "Yes, we are considering that." The vast majority of that time was question and answer, and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the opportunity to understand. While there I received two letters from students who wanted to share their thoughts about Program Challenge. One was from Kelsey Cummings, and the other from Kole Fulghum. Both articulated why they like Program Challenge, the advantages they see to having the model that we currently use, and why they would like to see it remain. Too often, we don't take time to listen to what students say. Last week I received more than 25 letters from students at Program Challenge who said, "This is what I think." I received emails as well.
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At the end of the day, it's a cost/benefit analysis. We'll have to make what we think is the best decision in the interest of the school district and all of our students. If I've had one disappointment as superintendent, it has been that some have said that they don't believe they can say what they think without retaliation. That is so disappointing. No one has said that directly to me, but I've heard it. Everyone should feel comfortable to state their opinion. I thank our PC parent organization for sharing their thoughts, their hearts, and their time with me. As we continue to go through this process, I hope you will be willing to share your time and thoughts with me as well. It's one thing to go out and talk about "what they ought to do" but it's really something else to step up and make a statement so that you can be heard. I thank those who have been willing to do that. I think this week's meeting of Program Challenge parents, students, and staff is a good example of being heard. Thank you, PC! Have a great weekend, everybody! Curtis | 
