HALIFAX — There were rounds of applause when Margaret Parrish, the

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representative from the Committee to Save Halifax County Schools, spoke

before the Board of Education last night.

Parrish questioned the board about its future plans for students, faculty

and memorabilia effected by the closing of Eastman, Brawley and McIver

schools. The school board voted in June to close the three schools because

of diminishing funds, student enrollment and rising cost of operation.

Parrish reminded the board for consolidation to take place, there must be

accommodation for the displaced, and a great deal of history was in jeopardy

of being lost forever unless the board took matters in hand.

She compared the school closings to a death and an eviction for many of the

parents, faculty and students who attended the schools and said the

community would not stand by while the board did nothing to answer pertinent

questions before the beginning of the school year. Those questions included

name, color and mascot changes for the consolidated schools. What

considerations will be made for athletes from the closed schools? What about

the band? What about faculty?

Because of board policy, her questions went unanswered during public

comment, to the chagrin of the public present and her disdain.

Board policy also states speakers have only three minutes, so newly elected

Board Chair Debbie Hardy had to call time on Parrish. She thanked Parrish

and asked her to leave copies of her speech for board members and said her

comments would be taken under consideration. Other speakers however

relinquished their time to Parrish. She was eventually able to finish her

comments.

In her final minutes, Parrish informed the board that they could and were

expected by the community to report all information concerning the

consolidation to the Committee to Save Halifax County Schools. She said a

community meeting of the group and citizens had moved the community to ask

the committee to represent them.

"What the Board may now be realizing is that when you poke a bear, you

need to be ready for the next steps. To the Halifax County Board of

Education, you have awakened the proverbial 'sleeping giant' ‹ you have

awakened the Kodiak bear (Eastman mascot) and the Brawley Tiger. Neither is

accepting 'death,' but fighting for its life."

Unfortunately, Parrish and many of her constituents left the meeting before

Superintendent Geraldine Middleton's comments, which addressed some of her

concerns.

 

Middleton addresses concerns

Della Batts

Herald Staff Writer

HALIFAX ­ Halifax County School Superintendent Geraldine Middleton wasted

little time responding to the public's concerns during last night's school

board meeting.

Prohibited by board policy to address the issues during the public comment,

she was ready with a plan during Superintendent's Comments.

Middleton had answers for at least some of the questions posed by the

Committee to Save Halifax County Schools and other concerned parents about

the upcoming consolidation. A June board decision closed Eastman, Brawley

and McIver Schools in efforts to save money and make the District more

efficient. Students who attended these schools last year will be absorbed by

Enfield, William R. Davie, Aurelian Springs and Everetts schools.

Middleton acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns voiced during public

comment, and thanked everyone who offered feedback and suggestions for the

transition period. "We appreciate you coming out and being part of what

we're doing."

 She said the district has formed teams to address the problems caused by

the school closings. Two teams, the Faculty and Staff Committee and the

Student Transition Committee will work with the District Transition

Committee to make consolidation efforts work efficiently and effectively.

In addition, each school will have its own team or committee to facilitate

the process. The first meeting of the District Transition Team was July 2,

where they discussed things like school names, mascots, uniforms and other

concerns.

While these teams will work with long- term goals for the effected

communities, a Summit committee will work on short term goals to have

students acclimated into their new environment even before school starts.

"They will develop activities so students have ample opportunity to meet

each other," she said. Middleton mentioned earlier comments by Committee to

Save Halifax County Schools representative Margaret Parrish, comparing the

school closings to a death of someone close. She agreed with Parrish and

said the district will do everything in its power to help everyone affected

make the transition.

Middleton said the committees are activity driven, and will "... help

students to be supported and grounded in their new school."  The teams will

focus on helping students, faculty and staff to be leaders in the

transition, to develop ownership and school spirit.

The district is planning youth summits Wednesday, July 15 called "Navigating

on the Winds of Change," at Enfield and Davie Middle Schools from 8 a.m. to

3 p.m. Students will be introduced to their new schools and enjoy the

opportunity to make new friends. Middleton said transportation will be

provided by school bus to the event. "We plan to run busses like it is the

first day of school so students and parents can see the process and we can

iron out issues."

Letters were sent to parents along with an RSVP form to fill out, letting

the schools know their child can be expected to participate.

Middleton said parents, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to be

part of the committees and to try to help make the transition as easy as

possible for everyone. "It's part of the grieving process," she said.