Blue Ribbon Committee Against Closing Carver/Century School

May 20, 2008

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A blue ribbon committee was formed at Monday night’s Century city council meeting in an effort to make sure the school board knows that the Town of Century does not want its only remaining school.

“All of us are aware of what’s about to take place with our school”, said Mayor Freddie McCall at the packed meeting. “I would like to see our town participate in a blue ribbon committee to come up with plans to present to the school board to keep our school open. The school is close and dear to our hearts, and I don’t want to see it closed down. It is important to economic growth. It is hard to get industry without a school”.

Carver/Century K-8 School is in danger of being closed as early as the upcming 2008-2009 school year as part of budget cutbacks proposed by Escambia County School District Superintendent Jim Paul.

The blue ribbon committee was formed Monday night includes McCall; Principal Jeff Garthwaite, Paula Jernigan, Rev. Wiillie Carter, Laura Nelson, Brenda Spencer, Henry Hawkins; Mrs. Reginald McCants, Marilyn Robinson and Rev. Irwin Stallworth. “We want everyone’s input and these will be our spokespeople to get this off the ground and to the table”, said McCall.

Many residents of Century turned out Monday night to have their voices heard in support of keeping Carver/Century K-8 School open.

“Several (school) board members are ready to scratch us off”, said council member Gary Riley. “We need to show up in numbers with plans. They want to pull the plug on our life support while we still have life. Numbers make a difference; voices make a difference”.

Council woman Sharon Scott said, “I have a granddaughter I plan to see in Century, not Byrneville, Bratt or Molino”.

“Anyone who knows me knows I love the Century school and I don’t want to loose it. I would do anything for Century school,” said council woman Nadine McCaw.

The Rev. Carter said the town must be serious about supporting the school, but should not be lead by emotions. “Let’s not get carried away with our emotions”. Carter said he has been involved with the Century school for over 50 years. He spoke of former Century school students who have gone on to become doctors, professors and lawyers.

“I’ve seen students who were deprived become successful and those who had everything fail. Can one test determine whether a student suceeds or fails?” said Carter in reference to the FCAT test. Carver/Century had the lowest writing+ FCAT scores in the county. “I’m all for computers and calculators, but students used to have to use their minds. We don’t want to take away what God gave our kids and that’s a good set of brains,” he said.

Stallworth said that children will learn what they want to learn, but the community has to help. “Some children need help to read, and I’ll help them read,” Stallworth said as he made it known he would be glad to assist children in learning to read.

Diedre Harris plead with those in the room who have kids at other area schools to bring their children back to Century to get an education. “Let us be a house united,” she said, “let’s do what we have to do as a community to get what we need”. She urged people to bombard District Five School Board Member Pete Gindl with phone calls telling him “to vote no to closing our school”.

“It would be a joy to see my kids come back home to go to school”, said Rex McCants. “If Bryneville can do it, Century can do it”.

Alfonzie Cottrell reminded everyone that “there is an entire community at stake…not just the kids, but an entire community”.

Century residents are encouraged to show their support of keeping Century/Carver school open by attending tonight’s school board meeting at the Hall Center in Pensacola at 5:30.

Pictured above: Rev. Willie Carter addresses the Century Town Council Monday night in support of Carve/Century school. NorthEscambia.com photo.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under News