 "Photo: Chris Barstad")
The proposal to turn Central Middle School into a magnet school for kindergarten through 12th grade was discussed by parents and teachers at Tuesday night's public forum.
A committee put together by Director of Schools Harry Gill, Jr. was available to answer questions and hear community concerns.
"Clearly, there is a lot of interest in a K-12 magnet school," Gill said. "It's something we've been thinking about for some time."
Gill said there are still many issues they have to work out regarding this project in advance. If a K-12 magnet school were to become a reality, they would have to move approximately 1,000 student from Central Middle to new middle schools, which are in the works of being constructed.
There were mixed emotions regarding the magnet school proposal. Many parents expressed concern about the closure of Central Middle and the displacement of students. However, parents were also delighted that Murfreesboro could potentially get a K-12 magnet school to compliment McFadden School of Excellence, Murfreesboro's first magnet school.
"Murfreesboro doesn't really offer private schools," said Richie Jackson, parent. "I think this is the greatest thing Murfreesboro could ever have."
Jackson also said he believes the magnet school should have an emphasis on math and science because that is the most important issue the United States faces in a world market.
Michelle Blaylock-Howard, parent, said people cannot forget about communication subjects such as English.
"English skills are lacking tremendously in our students, even at the college level," Blaylock-Howard said. "I'd really like to see more emphasis on communication and technology as well, in addition to the math and science."
Kristy Upchurch, parent, asked if there has been any collaboration with the people who founded the Davidson County magnet schools.
Don Odum, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said they visited two of Davidson County's magnet schools, and they plan on visiting Chattanooga to look at the way they operate their magnet schools.
Other parent concerns were the bussing of students to other areas of town, admissions testing and faculty for the new school.
Julie Dodd, a physical education teacher at Central Middle, asked how the school system plans on determining which teachers will be able to teach at the new magnet school, especially regarding the current Central Middle teachers.
Gill said there are issues with K-5 certification, but there will be teachers needed. Central Middle teachers will have the opportunity to obtain some of the available magnet school positions.
"All the parents here should recognize this is a ground breaking stepping stone, and hopefully, this will be the first of many magnet schools," Upchurch said.
Gill said the committee is to look into what they are doing and get public participation concerning the magnet school.
"Right now, we are kind of gravitating toward a K-12 magnet with a math and science emphasis, but we don't know for sure," Gill said. "We're taking the input from the community, and we're literally evaluating everything said because we're not sure we've got the answers yet. We want to make sure, with whatever we do, we do the right thing."
Attendees of the committee included Harry Gill Jr., Director of Schools, Don Odom, assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Clark Blair, McFadden principal, Paula Barnes, assistant superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services, Patti Hutchinson, parent, Allen McAdoo, county commissioner, Mark Byrnes, school board vice chairman, Cary Holman, Central Middle principal, Stan Vaught, parent and Andra Helton, Thurman Francis principal.
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