Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Redistricting remains pivotal issue for school board

By Patricia E. Matson Thursday, October 28, 2010

Candidate Dr. Derrick Hickey said it’s unfortunate that redistricting is still the big issue in the New Hanover School Board election, since there are many other issues to discuss. However, the topic has been in contention since before the middle and elementary schools went to neighborhood-based student assignments, and the subject regained prominence on Oct. 18 when the board voted 5-3 to send a letter assuring the state that it hadn’t redistricted along racial lines.

Board chair Ed Higgins voted for the neighborhood schools plan, along with Janice Cavenaugh, Don Hayes and Jeannette Nichols. Voting against it were Nick Rhodes, Elizabeth Redenbaugh and Dorothy DeShields.

Higgins, Cavenaugh and Hayes are running for re-election, joined on the Republican slate by newcomer Hickey. Rhodes is joined on the Democratic slate by Joyce Huguelet, Philip Stine and Clancy Thompson.

Higgins reiterated recently that the redistricting had nothing to do with race or socioeconomic status. "Nothing of that nature was discussed," he asserted.

Hayes agreed that schools were assigned based on where children lived.

"We didn’t use race and it shouldn’t be used. The state will determine whether we met the spirit of the law," Cavenaugh said.

Rhodes disagreed: "Look at the demographics after redistricting; it’s clear that we’ve resegregated the schools."

Huguelet said the state’s response would determine whether the school system gets funding, which it needs, but the law forbids even unintentional resegregation.

Stine said the state shouldn’t accept the board’s assurance, and Thompson said it should follow up and see how credible the statement was.

All the Democrats have said they wouldn’t overhaul school assignments even if elected, because it would be too disruptive. However, some tweaking might be necessary to adjust overcrowding in some schools and empty seats in others.

Most of the candidates on both sides are hoping that votes will be cast along party lines; the three incumbents and Hickey want Republicans to retain the majority while the Democrats desire to seize it.

Cavenaugh said she always voted on an individual basis, but she’d be voting a straight-party ticket this time.

Hayes said the school system is very good and scores have been going up.

"I think the reason is parents have been empowered with choices… I think it’s beginning to pay off. If you like those choices, re-elect those who adhere to that philosophy," he said.

Higgins recommended voting on party lines.

"If all four Republicans are elected, (redistricting) won’t come up again for four years, and by then, I don’t think there’ll be any question regarding neighborhood schools."

Hickey said he agreed with the philosophies of the other Republican candidates.

"This is a very important election for the district, with a real opportunity to put into place new programs and ideas with real promise in closing gaps and increasing educational achievements," he said, and voters could either do that or return to forced busing.

Rhodes said voters should replace the three incumbents who hadn’t addressed the needs of students.

"Since Mr. Hickey aligned himself with them, no one should vote for him either. It’s time for a more progressive, forward-thinking school board," he asserted.

Stine said the Democratic side has a strong ticket, with each person bringing different skills, from his and Rhodes’ managerial experience and Thompson’s creative arts work, the educational experience of all three, and Huguelet’s inside knowledge of the system as a former teacher and principal.

Thompson agreed, "I think one always has to look at the individual, but in this case, Democrats are putting forward the best candidates for the school board."

Huguelet, however, said she had little interest in party lines.

"It’s not about politics it’s about getting people who understand education and who are devoted to making the system work for every student."

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