Why is Centralia School District pushing K-6? It seems like the district’s logic on the idea is not making sense. They claim that the less transitions, the less academic loss. The research used to base its decisions primarily focuses on K-8, however the district decided to not follow the research. Instead they are twisting the research and applying it to K-6. If the district believed the research the are pitching, they would have opted for K-8. Additionally, if the district had such a big concern over the academic loss from the third- to fourth-grade building shift, then one would think the district would provide extra support to fourth graders. Yet fourth graders get no additional support to help offset the loss the district claims occurs. So let’s be honest... our current configuration is not why Centralia School District has lower test scores.
I’ve heard some say that it will be nice not to have to rush into elementary schools for those who pick their children up. Keep in mind, the only reason there is a rush now, is because Mr. Davalos extended the school day in the 2017-2018. In addition to this inconvenience, our 5 year olds now go to school as long as our high schoolers.
Some claim it will be nice to have all their kids in one school, but I’ve always thought it was nice when fourth graders were able to advance to the “older school”. The current configuration is unique because of the grade configuration and the ability for each of its schools to focus on a specific age group. I’ve also heard the district claims that K-6 will save money on transportation, but the district has no research, data or a breakdown of transportation costs to back that theory.
At a PTO meeting in June Mr. Davalos said that the configuration had to go forward as planned. However, a community member read part of the bond out loud during that meeting. What Mr. Davalos claimed is not true. He lied to a room full of parents and community members. The Centralia School Board has the authority to keep current configurations.
So why again exactly is the district pushing this? We keep telling you NO K-6!
Claribel Alvarez-Ayala,
Centralia
