Everything began Nov. 29, continued on to Dec. 13 and finally finished on Jan. 10 when the Clarkston Schools Board of Education voted unanimously the concept of redistricting ? sort of.
Director of Pre-K Elementary Education Geraldine Moore and Director of Communications and Marketing Anita Banach both addressed the board and guests on the plan. The two began to re-explain the proposal and many comments arose after the presentation.
After a great deal of discussion, board members decided to postpone the final activation of the redistricting. During the meeting, the board received one change to the proposal. The redistricting committee recommended to move section (D) to Andersonville Elementary instead of Clarkston Elementary, and keep all other changes as presented. Because this change came abruptly, the board decided to approve the ‘concept? of the plan pending communication with the section (D) residents.
Board members then listened as area parents gathered to voice their thoughts on the new plan. The room was filled with parents, some agreeing with the proposal and many voicing opinions on the other side. Several parents became emotional while speaking during public comment.
‘I believe the board was led blindly,? said Mark Matczak. ‘I will not come to the next meeting because the decision is made.?
Members of the Parent Advisory Team (PAT) attended the meeting and showed agreement with the plan, while other parents were disappointed with the outcome.
‘There were many good points raised by parents,? said David Lohmeier. ‘It was unfair that the board had almost two hours to present and the parents were only allowed about 20 minutes.?
Many parents voiced concern about the well being of their children and the opinion that this is an emotional move. The board and the planning committee voiced their view that the plan is the best for the children’s future.
‘The parents? reaction is exactly what we expected,? said Banach. ‘They are obviously very passionate about their kids and the parents have shown so much effort.?
The board will announce the final implementation of the redistricting plan at the Jan. 24 board meeting.