Why Save Reagan High School?

Below is a letter from Allen Weeks, community member and leader of the Save Reagan Campaign.

I live and work in the St. John neighborhood, doing community development work. I also taught in urban schools for many years. I've been a volunteer coach at Reagan and led the community-based effort that kept Webb Middle School open two years ago and has brought many improvements to their program.You are right in saying that closing a school affects the community. Schools are very important, and Reagan has a long history. They have been state champions in football several times, and the community takes pride in this school, even in hard times. Closing a school opens a wound that takes many years to heal. (I still hear talk about the closing of the old Anderson HS, which was an African-American HS in east Austin many years ago. The name got put on the new Anderson HS in northwest Austin.)

Reagan is a far from perfect high school. There are many good teachers there and a host of great afterschool and other programs. A Stone member has started a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group that is doing really well. The school serves a large immigrant population (70% Hispanic), and over 90% of its students fall below federal poverty guidelines. As an educator and one who also has worked in school reform, I feel that the district has continually mishandled Reagan and other east Austin schools.

A state law was passed 4 years ago that mandates closure for schools that are low-performing on the state TAKS test four years running (a one year extension can be granted). Reagan has gone low performing 3 years. It should be noted that 7 of 11 high school in Austin (all of the schools in south and east Austin) are also low-performing on the TAKS, with several at the 2 year mark.

The law stinks, to be honest. Texas is virtually alone in the nation in this approach. Under No Child Left Behind, states are mandated to make improvements in low-performing schools. Texas considers closure to be an improvement, honestly. I could go into the politics of why this law was passed, but we are working hard to make sure that it is repealed in the next legislative session.

Right now, there are a number of initiatives at Reagan to improve the academic performance. I and others don't believe they are enough, and that is why we are working together to bring more to Reagan.

Frankly, if the school closes, it does nothing to help the kids academically and will actually hurt many. The programs for ESL students do not exist at most of the other high schools. Given the extra distance, a number of the kids will probably drop out. And on a practical basis, all of the schools that are stronger or full with no more room. This kids will not be able to go to Austin, McCallum, Anderson, Bowie. Even Lanier is full.

There is absolutely no reason why Reagan can't be a great school with the right effort from the district. I have seen it in other urban schools, even with the tough challenges these families face. Some of these kids go home to no electricity (I've seen it), live out of vans, parent their parents. We are stepping up and fighting for these kids. Just shipping them to another failing school is not the answer.

There's a lot more to say, but I hope this helps! By the way, Reagan has an incredible new principal this year. I believe God has sent her for just this time. He is answering prayer.

If you can't come out, please pray for the kids and community.

Blessings,

Allen Weeks
HopeFest '08 Co-Coordinator
512-653-4935
aweeks@austin.rr.com