"How are the schools?" Tell me about the schools in that neighborhood?" "I've heard bad things about that school." "I've read that Lake Norman High School is the best school, is that true?"
Man, how am I supposed to answer those questions?
About half the people who contact us about homes and real estate in the Charlotte area list schools as a primary factor when choosing a neighborhood. I direct them to the Internet: http://abcs.ncpublicschools.org/abcs/ - or to the web site of the schools systems. Neither are much help to a parent. New Yorkers & New Jerseyans are flocking here for temperate weather, less congestion, and lower taxes. Floridians are moving here for more temperate weather, less congestion, and lower taxes. So they come and visit. They turn on the TV in hotel room and listen to the radio in their rental cars. What do they hear? Issues in the Char-Meck school system.
The Internet is a powerful tool. We all see web sites making fantastic claims: Re-grow your hair - re-claim your sexual prowess - Make millions while sitting on your ass at home. We don't believe it. Most of us don't buy it. However, let someone start a web site forum about schools and parents begin to believe every post they read...because they love their children and they do not want them to experience a less than opportunistic education.
Again, I ask: how do I answer the questions about schools?
Well, I can start by professing my beliefs. I believe that teaching in college might be (just) a job but teaching our youth requires considerably more. Teachers have a responsibility to try and reach each child. If a Teacher doe not have that fire in the belly - get out. Get a job that suits you better. Next, if a Principal cannot lead and determine which Teachers have the passionate commitment to reach each child, then they serve no purpose. If the Principal is not willing to deal with parents honestly, they serve no purpose. They should be removed and replaced. And Administrators should be reduced to the barest minimum. They have nothing to do with the educational process. They have become nothing but a place to park an ass and collect a check. I'm positive we need a few to coordinate buses, pay the actual workers, facilitate benefits, and politic for budgets. Currently, the bloated admin is a burden that sabotages the efforts of all involved.
Now that I have that off my chest, I think every parent should go to the schools, introduce themselves, and collect a few promises from the Principals. Secondly, recognize that most schools are what your children make of it. The secondary schools here offer advanced classes just as they do in your part of the country. Hopewell sends kids off to Duke and Northwestern. North Mecklenburg sends kids off to Naval Academy and Stanford. Your efforts, your interest, and your commitment are the best tools available to improve the schools here or anywhere. Lastly, try to remember that much of the venom that is spewed on the Internet (about our schools) comes from people who do not seem to have answers only a forum to repeat the same complaints...over and over and over...
Cya', when you are ready,
Wayne
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