The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League recently hosted two representatives from Roanoke City Public Schools at their general meeting. The closing of Raleigh Court Elementary at the end of the school year was a major topic.
Superintendent Rita Bishop and School Board Chairman David Carson addressed the Civic League about Roanoke City Public Schools and recent activity within the school system. Carson spoke to the closing of schools and budget slashing, including changes already made, such as lengthening school days and changing the start/stop times.
Carson pointed to the two new high schools—Patrick Henry and William Fleming—noting that construction work has been completed “on time and under budget.” Fleming will officially open this summer.
Referring to the closing of four schools in all, Carson said he didn’t consider that an achievement. “We would rather build schools.” Civic League meetings provide city officials an opportunity to bring citizens up to date, and the GRCCL is one of the most active. Carson talked about the early retirement plan for teachers, (which helped alleviate some pressure on the 2009-2010 budget) and tweaked health care benefits that now share costs more equally. In addition, said Carson, Valley Metro now has an agreement where any RCPS students may ride for free with a student I.D.
Carson mentioned the Community College access program, where graduating seniors in Roanoke City public schools holding at least a 2.0 grade point average, may have their tuition paid for at Virginia Western. Articulation agreements with many four-year public colleges and decent grades can ensure a transfer.
“I love Raleigh Court,” said Rita Bishop as she began her talk, revealing how she considered the neighborhood when moving to the valley. Bishop also said the vision for RCPS is to have the schools become a “model for urban and public education.”
The GRCCL has been in existence since 1978, holding five neighborhood meetings a year, according to Vice President Chad Braby. A Raleigh Court Block Party is scheduled for Sunday May 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Grandin Village. According to the GRCCL newsletter, “Court Reporter,” there will be food, music and children’s activities.
The league obtains grant funding through the City of Roanoke for special projects such as work on the Murray Run Greenway. The non-profit GRCCL also obtained a grant for working on a project that will create seasonal banners for Grandin Village.
Using another grant, league members will work with a national organization called Rebuilding Together, beginning next April, where volunteers will work on home improvements for the needy. The league has been “building community in the neighborhood,” said Braby, and is always looking for volunteers to help with projects.
President Susan Koch said the GRCCL has between 300 to 400 members. Koch also said the league had applied for a grant with the Raleigh Court Elementary School PTA to build a playground, but since the school closed they may have it built somewhere else. She recognized problems with the soon-to-be-closed school.
The layout of Raleigh Court Elementary School classrooms, Koch said, is like a “Motel 6,” where the classroom doors all open to the outside. She said the heating and air conditioning system was “shot,” with not enough money to renovate. “It was a sad decision they had to make,” to close the school said Koch, adding it was the “top performing elementary school in the city.”
Koch said schools are a big issue for the GRCCL, because members want to see families stay in the neighborhood. The elementary school closing has already made some parents choose private and parochial schools for their children instead of remaining in city schools, she added. With new attendance zone recently approved Koch said some parents are seeking other options, which may including moving out of the neighborhood. Visit www.grccl.org for more information.
Closing ceremonies: Both Raleigh Court (2-5pm) and Ruffner Middle (3-5pm) will hold remembrance events this Sunday, May 31. Dignitaries from the community have been invited and each school will feature activities for parents and students. Both will close at the end of the current school year.