School forum garners response for more communication in Charles City

After the announcing that fall sports will be canceled for Charles City High School this season (see related story on website), school board members and officials reached out to host a community forum Tuesday night prior to its regular scheduled meeting. The forum ended up succeeded in being a starting point as an outlet between the schools, parents, and community.

Approximately 100 people sat in on Tuesday’s night conversation between the parties. Dialogue opened with high school principal Marcus Petty Sr. and superintendent of schools David Gaston addressing the cancellation of fall sports.

In similar comments, both leaders acknowledged that low participation factored into the cancellation of football. They also said that a couple players did not meet academic requirements to play this year and that even those few players had an overall effect on numbers. As for volleyball, a combination of low participation along with the inability to find a coach contributed to the season being called off.

Most of the dialogue between concerned parents and the schools centered around communication, or lack thereof. Parents expressed issues regarding past interactions when attempting to inquire information about their child’s progress.

“My son struggles in the classroom and I want to know what can we do to get help,” said Lillani Adkins. “I didn’t think it would be this much of a struggle for them in the classroom.”

Many parents said that even when attempting to contact a teacher for additional information there usually wasn’t a response.

“I sent email after email to get information,” said Ka’Sheena King. “I shouldn’t have to send an email and make a threat to contact a person’s boss in order to get something done.

“Now everyone is suffering, especially those who meet the academic guidelines,” the former Charles City athlete added. “I understand about the numbers, but the issue of having teachers communicate is outside of a participation.”

School board members listened on as concerns flooded the ears of those in attendance.

“I don’t understand why it takes so long to get a response,” said Angela Gardner, pointing out how her recent graduate couldn’t get a response to paying senior dues. “I ended up overpaying these dues and I just want to know what’s going on.”

“For the last two years I have been trying to get my boys into a summer program,” added Mary Wooden. “The guidance counselor didn’t help me and the only reason they were able to get in this year is because I had to get the paperwork myself.”

As more comments and dialogue exchanged, the venting alleviated a lot of issues of communication that was clearly lacking. And mostly everybody in attendance agreed that a joint effort between parents, schools, and the community is desperately needed to progress.

“It’s all of our faults,” said Fende’ Chamberlain, emphasizing that school leaders, parents, students, and the community need to work together more closely. “We know we have problems with GPA and interest in sports.

“We have to stoop down to their level and make them understand,” she continued. “We are a small community. This is all we have. We don’t have the numbers. This is not an option for us and we have to work together.”

“There are other possible solutions,” said CCHS PTA president LaTonya Williams. “We can look into bringing back an activity bus and have central drop-off locations for students who do after-school activities and have transportation issues.”

“I am a product of the county students and have had three sons go on to success in college,” chimed in Sharon Jones. “We have to understand that we can’t lump all kids in the same box.

“The things we have to do starts at home and then we have to work with the schools,” she added. “It’s a community effort and all the parents are asking for the schools to do is provide us responses on how to make it better.”

Former Charles City football head coach Steward Greene Jr. admitted he was sad to see the football program grow, but hope its disappearance causes a stronger bond within Charles City.

“We need feeder programs,” Greene said. “I was part of the first program that started here in 1969. It hurts my heart to see this season cancelled.

“If we can just unite, this will make it better,” the former coach added. “It’s going to take all of us being open with what we do and working together.”

District 3 school board representative Martha Harris commented about putting an emphasis on working together at a community to improve the educational part of the schools.

“This has got to be a community thing and we need mentorship for these kids,” she said. “The school board knows we can’t do this by ourselves.

“I don’t want anyone kids looking up to an athlete who makes D’s and F’s,” Harris added. “Sports alone is not going to get you in college by itself; a good education will.”

Gaston, along with school board members and staff, promised that they would take all comments to heart and work to resolve issues, acknowledging that everybody needs to have a part in their most precious resources.

“There are a lot of moving parts and this is a communication and community issue,” the superintendent said. “There are all coming from different angles.

“It is a heartwarming tale because we all know that it’s about our children,” Gaston added. “We don’t know everything and we are open to ideas and solutions and that is why we are here for you all.”