New Bedford Public Schools is Moving Forward: submitted by Eddie Johnson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD TIMES:


On February 10, 2012, in a published article by the Standard Times, and written by Charis Anderson, titled "Dropout rate improves, but lags Fall River and Brockton", this is my personal response to the very well written and informative news article, as both a volunteer working to improve New Bedford's Public School system, and as a member of the Superintendent of New Bedford's Public School, Dr. Mary Lou Francis, Education Roundtable.

Charis begins her article by writing, "For the first time in four years, the New Bedford school system's four year graduation rate increase slightly, although it still lags behind both the state average and many of its Gateway Cities, peers according to the state education website".

Instead of this major accomplishment being herald, supported and appreciated, as a major achievement, improvement in the graduation rate, and that our school system is heading in the right directions, as our school system proceed to the goal line for the State required turn around plan, that must be completed and submitted by an April 2, 2012 deadline, for Dr. Francis and her administrative team, the applause is luke warm at best, and in my opinion, this very worthy endeavor, is a major educational accomplishment/improvement, that deserves to be honored.

Yes, we all understand the need for further Improvements in our School System, however this is a great starting point.

Former Superintendent Dr. Portia Bonner, also found the exact same needs for educational improvements, in her 15 months or so tenure, but never succeeded with these goals and objectives.

These official public records of accomplishments and achievements, can only be credited to Superintendent Francis.

Dr. Francis's tenure in the same fifteen months of service, along with concerted efforts, hard work, and perseverance, have paid off, and clearly reached and exhibited, a turn around and success story, that is worthy of praise, that all New Bedford citizens, teachers, students, parents, elected officials and Mayor Mitchell should be proud of, and supporting.

As the President of the New Bedford Educators Association, Lou St. John have recently and often publicly stated, if Dr. Portia Bonner had received a 3 point rise in the graduation rates, she would have been considered a "Genius".

I will add to Lou's comments and state, that if this achievement had happened under Dr. Portia Bonner, the press and public would have hailed and praised this as the "Second Coming of Christ", that saved New Bedford's School System.

Does not Dr. Francis and her administrative team, deserve the same recognition and applause?

Or is this another example of" Double Standards", by the critics, complainers and non-volunteers, for improvements and betterment of New Bedford School system?

It is time for "ALL", to set aside the political posturing, political speeches and rhetoric, by all elected officials, including Mayor Mitchell, members of the Elected School Committee. and members of City Council, and begin to collectively work together in "TEAM" spirit and effort.

Anything less, is both unacceptable and counterproductive.

Those that really care about New Bedford's School System, and Students/Children, receiving the best education possible, and are responsible, and those that are willing and committed to quality education, without personal agendas, and willing to work together collectively, think positively for the sake of the best educated children possible, and those that believe we can overcome any obstacle, Face any Fault, Climb any mountain, Cross any River, Believe we can turn the impossible into the possible, the unbearable into the bearable and the unbelievable into the believable, please step forward and be counted.

Now is the Time.

Eddie L. Johnson, Member
The Superintendent of New Bedford Educational Roundtable