Statement on superintendent's 8 goals

Feb. 12, 2013

Dr. Betty Howell Gray sent in the following statement on behalf of the National Alliance of Black School Educators after a Jan. 31 reception for CMS Supt. Heath Morrison:

Greetings!

A special thanks to guests who attended the reception and those who had a schedule conflict and were unable to attend.

Special thanks also to our financial supporters and UNC Charlotte.

Reports indicate that the event was extremely successful with over 200 in attendance.

Since educating our children is a shared responsibility, NABSE had the following goals for the reception: a special call to community organizations to become actively engaged with our schools to improve academic achievement for all children; to join CMS in supporting Dr. Morrison's eight goals and to bring visibility to our local affiliate, GCABSE, to boost membership. NABSE's goals also align with the superintendent eight goals. The program is here.

Several organizations who are partnering with CMS presented their programs with measurable goals and positive results that are aligned with the eight goals. Crown Point Elementary also presented best practices for an instructional leader, teacher, parent and a West Charlotte student spoke eloquently regarding strategies to expand educational choices to drive learning for students.

NABSE will continue to work with affiliates in collaboration with local and state school districts to ensure that all students have access to a high quality education that will prepare them to be productive and successful adults.

NABSE salutes Superintendent Morrison for taking steps to accomplish this mission, for Education is a Civil Right! We feel that we need a culture shift in CMS as in most school districts around the country.

NABSE and its affiliate, GCABSE, support the superintendent and his goals. We are encouraging other community and faith-based organizations to join us.

We also feel strongly that everyone must consider the role of race in education. It will be extremely difficult to change the culture in our schools without having on-going courageous conversations about race.

There needs to be a discussion on why black students are far likely to be suspended than white students. While there are many disparities in education, one most recently noted according to CMS, N.C. Department of Public Instruction, data from 2011-12, Blacks were 77% of CMS suspensions. This is certainly alarming if this is true.

We are hopeful that the district will support the eight goals especially goal #4 which focuses on nurturing a culture of high engagement, customer service, and cultural competency. We have a superintendent who has laid out a plan of action to demonstrate that all students will have an opportunity to experience success. It is now time for the community to show its support.

We look forward to working with CMS as it moves forward with courageous dialogue in implementing its strategic plan to ensure a quality education for "Every Child. Every Day. For a better Tomorrow."