Triton Holds Community Meeting on 'War on Schools'
Posted
Siara Sparkman-
BOURBON – Something frightening is happening, Triton officials and parents heard Thursday, and it’s not Halloween – it’s a war on public schools. Triton School Corp. Superintendent Dr. Donna Burroughs said at the community meeting discussing the war on public schools that it could be precarious if legislature tries to force consolidation of small, local public schools. She said all schools are in danger because most have fewer than 2,000 students enrolled. “I believe public schools offer equal opportunity and I believe private schools are going to cause us to have a separation of our schools,” Burroughs said. “In the ‘50s, we were separated by race, and the privatization of our schools is going to try to separate us by economic status and that’s not good.” Triton Elementary School Principal Jeremy Riffle highlighted a few Triton graduates that were products of public schooling. He said every child in America is offered free public education and graduation rates are increasing while drop out rates are on the decline. In the Triton district, 100 percent of students are also involved in service learning projects. “We just want everyone to understand there comes a point in time where less money causes it to be difficult to do more,” Riffle said. “Our students need us to step up and be present in their lives.” Triton Junior Senior High School Assistant Principal Robert Ross said over the last 10 years, funding for Triton Schools has been severely cut. Regardless of the cuts, he said they are constantly looking to improve all curricula. He also discussed the benefits of a smaller school. He said student attitudes are positive and 75 percent of students participate in extra-curricular activities. He also mentioned less than 4 percent of students drop out. If the students attended Triton Schools since kindergarten, the drop out rate is less than 2 percent. “We really have great kids and great parent support,” Ross said. “Our teachers stay here a long time.” Burroughs said Indiana is leading the way for privatization of schools. A major issue for schools is funding. Burroughs said the general fund is controlled by the state and the number of students enrolled within a school determines this funding. This brought Burroughs to her next point – referendums. “If you want to have your small, local school, you will pay for it,” Burroughs said. Burroughs said they have tried everything they can to reduce expenses. She said they have reduced teachers’ aides, reduced custodians and reduced office staff. She mentioned that Triton School Corp. gave out more than 900 college credits last year. She said she would like to submit referendums with surrounding schools at the same time if the others would jump on board. She said the upcoming election is going to be very important and said everyone should research all of the candidates prior to voting next week. “It’s very difficult to keep adding when we’re receiving less and less,” Burroughs said. “It takes many voices to be heard.” Ginger Calhoun, a retired teacher of 39 years with Argos Schools, said this war on public schools will affect the whole community and it would be best for everyone to be involved. “I hope everyone understands we gave up the right to control our financial destiny of our schools,” Calhoun said. “The state now mandates what we do and they control our money. It’s wrong.”
