The May 13 Asheville City Schools (ACS) Board meeting highlighted significant financial and operational challenges within our district. It is important that we scrutinize the decisions being made by politicians and activists who have monopolized local government. It is our responsibility to understand their implications on our children’s education and on our community’s fiscal responsibility.
EL Learning Contract: Questionable Financial Choices
In March 2022, the ACS Board approved a six-year subscription to the Savvas Learning curriculum for $117,546. Despite this substantial investment, the Board has now committed an additional $330,000 for a one-year contract with EL Learning. This decision raises several questions:
- Overlap and Integration: How will the EL Learning program integrate with the existing Savvas curriculum? Is there a clear plan to avoid redundancy and ensure educational continuity?
- Financial Prudence: Given the district’s reported budget shortfall, is it financially prudent to allocate such a large sum to a new program without fully utilizing the existing one?
It is worth noting that EL Learning receives funding from various social justice organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies. This connection underscores the ideological current influencing our district’s educational strategies.
School Mergers: Impact on Budget and Community
The consolidation of Montford North Star Academy into Asheville Middle School is projected to reduce the district’s $4.5 million budget shortfall by up to $2.5 million. However, this decision has sparked considerable anger and sadness among parents who value the unique STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) approach and smaller community feel of Montford North Star. The rapidity of this decision, first proposed in November 2023, has left many parents feeling unheard and disrespected.
Potential Merger with Buncombe County Schools
The ongoing feasibility study, mandated by state law, to explore the merger of Asheville City Schools with Buncombe County Schools, is another area of concern. Key milestones include:
- Completion of Study: Expected by December 31, 2024.
- Presentation of Findings: By January 31, 2025.
- Legislative Report: Due by February 15, 2025.
The study will assess the financial and operational impacts of such a merger. As conservative parents, we should closely monitor these developments to ensure our children’s education is not compromised by bureaucratic restructuring.
Leadership and Accountability
The leadership of the ACS Board is crucial in navigating these challenges. Board Chair George Sieburg, appointed by the Asheville City Council in October 2021 and a known supporter of BLM, along with Jesse Warren, appointed in January 2023, will both face their first elections in November 2024. It is essential to hold these leaders accountable for their decisions and ensure they align with the values and priorities of our community.
Conclusion
We must remain vigilant and engaged in these discussions to advocate for fiscal responsibility and educational excellence in our district. By staying informed and holding our leaders accountable, we can ensure that Asheville City Schools provide a high-quality education that respects our values and meets the needs of all students.
