HOME OF THE WHOPPER
Sarasota High Is Not a Sob Story
Gore's symbol of decay is in fact a fine school.
SARASOTA, Fla.--In Tuesday's presidential debate, Al Gore and George W. Bush both called attention to the pressing need for increased resources and accountability for America's public schools. To emphasize the plight of schools today, Mr. Gore stated that Kailey Ellis, a student at Sarasota High School--my high school--had to stand during her science class because "they can't squeeze another desk in for her." Mr. Gore used this anecdote to illustrate his concern for the plight of public schools.
I'd like to set the record straight, if I may. Yes, Kailey stood in her science class, but that was for one period only. As soon as the school became aware of the need for an additional desk, one was added immediately to the classroom. We regret that Kailey had to stand at a time when she should have been seated, but the situation was entirely anomalous. The missing desk was not a metaphor for decay.
Here's why. Take another look at the science class referred to by Mr. Gore. As well as 36 student desks, and one teacher, state-allocated technology dollars provided some new equipment: two wall-mounted television monitors connected to a desktop computer at the teacher's station, 12 student computers at six lab stations near several pieces of lab equipment. State of the art? Sure. We would have nothing less for our students.
Kailey stood for just one period, and there's an explanation. Sarasota High School is typical of most American high schools. At the start of the school year, schedules are in flux. Students and furniture are moved about the campus to accommodate learning needs. It is preferable that each student has a desk available from day one, but it is not always possible to estimate accurately the number of students who will select each section of a subject offered.
Kailey's science class had 36 students enrolled. Is 36 too many? Maybe. Maybe not. But what constitutes an overcrowded classroom? In a high school science lab that usually has, say, 24 students, 36 would be considered crowded by many. In a class of students with severe learning disabilities, 20 would make the room feel small. However, I believe an effective teacher is the most important factor in a student's academic achievement. And my teachers are better than effective.
In Sarasota County, students have benefited from smaller class sizes due to a 1994 local referendum that provided additional operating dollars to the school district. On July 18, 2000, voters were asked to continue this funding. For a myriad of reasons, the referendum was rejected. Our district then faced a $17 million shortfall, causing deep cuts in this year's budget. Those cuts caused an increase in the number of students in classes--a fact that is unpleasant to many. But in Sarasota County, we will never give up the fight to provide our students with the finest education.
Our county's citizens have always demanded, and received, excellence from our schools. The independent consulting firm SchoolMatch recently conducted an audit of Sarasota County public schools. Their evaluation concluded that our district is one of the finest in the country, despite the limited funding. To maintain our excellence, SchoolMatch urged the school district to seek additional taxpayer support. With the loss of our referendum, maintaining this excellence is becoming increasingly difficult. Forever the optimist, I believe that our community will support the next referendum because who would wish less than the best for the future of our country.
As the national spotlight shines on Sarasota High School, I hope other communities will take a good long look at their own schools. Could they be better? Sure. Do you want them to be better? Sure. Can you make them better? Absolutely. So do it.
Mr. Kennedy is principal of Sarasota High School.
