Thinking about configurations

Think about this!

Chicod has a K-8 school configuration.

Grifton School is a K-8 school configuration separated partially by McCrae Street.

Ayden has a K-8 configuration separated by Third Street.

Farmville has a K-12 configuration on essentially the same or adjoining campuses.

G.R. Whitfield has a K-8 configuration.

Bethel has a K-8 configuration.

Pactolus has a K-8 configuration.

Stokes has a K-8 configuration.

 The point is all these communities have one thing in common, with the exception of Farmville. All are K-8 communities while Farmville is a K-12 community. Thanks to the foresight of previous Farmville leaders they were able to keep their schools based in town, and that was admirable leadership. Who wouldn't love to have a K-12 campus in their community?

So, why now, when there is absolutely no academic reason, should the K-8 configuration be dismantled in other selected communities? The communities include Chicod, Grifton and G.R. Whitfield. More than likely the schools north of the Tar-Pamlico River will also be affected by Pitt County Schools' Long Range Facility Plan. Let's call it a student assignment plan. That's what it really is.

Why bus children when it is not required? Why cause parents to hire expensive after school daycare because both parents are at work? Why shift transportation costs to parents? Why make it more difficult for children to walk to and from school?

I recall my Dad saying to me while growing up on the farm. "Son, anything will work if you want to make it work."

Obviously K-8 schools have worked and will continue to work if school leaders want to make them work.