Communication issues factor in CBSS conversion

Your editorial Nov. 14 stressed keeping communication lines open between CBSS and parents. One important component was left out. To have effective communication, all parties must have faith the information given is as honest, straightforward and complete as possible, starting with the school district administration.

During the public hearing phase while exploring ideas to ease overcrowding, I was told by district administration for reasons (including cost, unavailability and property lease issues) portables at CBSS weren't possible. When a parent commented at a board meeting about CBSS closing, a board member objected saying it wasn't being closed, just re-tooled. Parents and students have also been repeatedly promised by the school district that current juniors would still receive a CBSS diploma.

We now know none of these things are true. Completely eliminating the existing alternative secondary education program for 7-12 grades, adding portables and a new football field, possibly changing the name and school colors and referring to that as "just re-tooling" is insulting. We also now know 2015 graduates won't be eligible for CBSS diplomas, since the school will no longer exist.

At the public meetings, board meetings and again in a letter from the superintendent sent out at the beginning of this school year, CBSS failure rate has been highlighted. Unsaid is that student who don't finish in four years (whether it's a few extra weeks in summer school or an additional year) or leaves to get a GED is counted statistically as failure. When any school statewide has a certain graduation failure rate, the state can step in. When asked at a board meeting what exactly state involvement would mean, administrators answer "we don't know." Instead of investigating any state alternatives, the decision was made to close CBSS.

This letter is not about sour grapes or re-hashing the process. The decisions have been made and we all must move forward. Honest communication, from the school district administration to the students, is paramount in order for that to happen.

Karen Pope

Moses Lake