Christina Schools to Continue with Reforms

The Christina School District is continuing to move forward with its plans to restructure two low-performing schools, despite the state's decision to freeze grant money intended to pay for that work, the district superintendent said Wednesday in an email to the staff.

"I want to communicate that we are moving forward with the belief that the issues we are currently facing will be resolved," Superintendent Marcia V. Lyles said in the email. "We are continuing to plan for our two Partnership Zone schools. We know we have strong plans for both Glasgow High School and Stubbs Elementary School that were developed collaboratively over many months. We believe that these plans will significantly transform these two schools and accelerate student achievement."

But some district activities would be postponed until more is known about the funding. A staff information session on Race to the Top and a parent and student "Academy Showcase" meeting -- both scheduled for May 5 -- have been put on hold.

The district's Board of Education and state government are embroiled in a dispute over a local choice to retain 19 educators at Glasgow High School and Stubbs Elementary who were to be transferred -- retaining full pay and benefits -- to new schools. The two schools are part of the state's Partnership Zone, a program that makes intensive changes at failing schools.

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