A retired educator has raised concerns about student achievement levels in Smithfield Selma area schools.
Mary Nell Ferguson of Smithfield, the retired principal at Cleveland Elementary School, addressed the Johnston County Board of Education on Tuesday expressing concerns about the direction of some local schools.
“When I was a principal in both Wake and Johnston County, I had one overriding goal. I must make sure that I had the best school for my children and for my parents who counted on me to have the best for their child. Each day as I walked from classroom to classroom, I would ask myself this question, “Would I want my child or grandchild to be in this classroom?” If my answer was no, and believe you me, I had some no’s, my job was to change that answer to a yes.”
“Now I ask a bigger question when I visit or work in the schools. Would I want my grandchild in this school? I would like for you, as School Board members, to ask the same question concerning those you dearly love and then talk frankly with each other about your answer.”
Ferguson said her concern was on the elementary schools in the I-95 corridor.
“Before I retired, I knew our school system had concerns about the I-95 corridor schools, When looking at the data today, I am alarmed.”
Ferguson provided statistics showing the majority of students who attend 4 area elementary schools are economically disadvantaged students. 92% of students at Selma Elementary, 78% at South Smithfield Elementary, 93% at West Smithfield and 75% at Wilson’s Mills Elementary are classified as Economically Disadvantaged.
In comparison, 14% of students at Powhatan Elementary, 20% at Riverwood Elementary, and 29% at Cleveland Elementary are economically disadvantaged.
“I want it to be heard loud and clear that my concerns are not our principals, not the teachers, not the facilities, but the inequities of the Smithfield schools as compared to Cleveland-Clayton schools. It is just not right for these sweet children in the Smithfield-Selma schools to be denied the educational experiences that children have in the Cleveland-Claytons schools. Ferguson then cited the story of a Smithfield family who transferred their children to a Cleveland-Clayton school because they felt they would receive a better education.
Ferguson suggested school leaders consider magnet schools as an option to improve Smithfield area schools.
“Magnet schools are a magnet – they pull in parents who want a choice for their child. This may not be the magic solution, but research has shown success for many years.”
“You have tried year round schools in Smithfield. Since the late 1980’s research has never said that year round schools would increase student achievement,” she told board members. “Now that there is going to be a change, put your time, money and effort into things that will work.”
“Please examine each school and plan a unique, proven solution for it,” Ferguson stated. “Take time to answer the “Why” question. Why, through the years, have parents transferred their children out of the Smithfield-Selma area schools?”
“Please don’t forget about the elementary schools where school learning begins. And don’t forget to ask these same questions about our Smithfield Selma Middle Schools and our High School. I would love to see Cleveland-Clayton parents asking to transfer their child or children to a Smithfield-Selma school.”
“…One of the most precious things a parent gives a child is his or her opportunity for the best education possible. What schools would you choose for your child or grandchild or someone you love dearly, and why or why not? Know the problem – then you can find a solution.”
“The time is now! Change is hard work. It may not be popular. It takes time. But these children don’t have the time to wait. They count on you.”
**Percentage Of Economically Disadvantaged Students In Local Elementary Schools (Fall 2016):
Smithfield-Selma Area
Selma 92%
South Smithfield 78%
West Smithfield 93%
Wilson’s Mills 75%
I-95 Corridor
Benson 69%
Four Oaks 64%
Glendale Kenly 61%
Micro-Pine Level 66%
Princeton 56%
Meadow 55%
Cleveland/Clayton Area
Cleveland 29%
East Clayton 27%
McGee’s 46%
Polenta 40%
Powhatan 14%
River Dell 21%
Riverwood 20%
West Clayton 45%
West View 26%
**Statistics provided by Mary Nell Ferguson
