Student Assignment Forum Disappoints Parents and Administrators

Rockford, IL - The first of four public forums about Rockford School District 205s proposal to change the student assignment policy was held Tuesday evening. "I`ve still not heard any really significant input on some key recommendations by the committee," says Dr. Dennis Thompson, Superintendent of District 205. Thompson says hes disappointed by the first opportunity to hear input from the community. "Do you want a school system basically zoned geographically, socio-economically?" says Thompson. "I`ve yet to hear anything about grandfathering, which I thought would be a significant issue." About 40 people showed up at Kennedy Middle School to address a proposed change in policy from the choice system to a zoned system. Parents had more questions than comments or ideas. They say they understand this is a pivotal decision for the next decade, but are worried the change might be a step backwards into why student choice came about in the first place. "We`re stepping back, nothing is going forward," says Tamara Watkins, a parent of an eight-year-old student at Lewis Lemon. Watkins says she wants to stay with the choice system because zoning would hurt her daughter. "She`ll probably be thrown not only on the west end or south end, but she may be placed in a school that I may not be pleased with," says Watkins. "At least this is the school where I had the choice, meeting teachers, checking out principals." Some parents expressed support with the zoning policy so their children wouldnt have to ride the bus for an hour everyday. Most parents wanted to see a sample map of what the zones would look like. The facilitator, Nancy Sylvester, told them some maps are prepared, but wouldnt be made available at the forums. The next student assignment public forum is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Flinn Middle School. The last two will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Eisenhower Middle School and Saturday, Oct. 14, at Rockford Environmental Science Academy.