The Strib recently ran both a "news" article and an op ed on the changes at Eden Prairie schools and the announced departure of our superintendent. I found a few "facts" interesting.
The Stib continues to characterize those who opposed the re-districting as parents who wanted to avoid integrated schools. They never reported the fact that each of Eden Prairie's previously four elementary schools had non-white populations in excess of 25%. In other words--they were integrated. Two of my sons have moved from Cedar Ridge to the new Oak Point elementary and other than a very poor running bus system (the ride home from school now lasts almost 40 minutes) I discern no difference in the classes, at least as far as racial balance is concerned. My boys enjoyed their classmates before and they enjoy them now.
The Strib also reported that the "achievement gap" had fallen by almost 50% over the last two years. The reporting of this fact missed the obvious conclusion---that the gap had been significantly reduced BEFORE the drastic redistricting had happened. This begs the question, the answer to which we'll never know--how much further could the gap have been reduced without causing huge disruption in the elementary schools?
Most parents have tired of this issue. I know that I have. But, I remain convinced that the self-inflicted redistricting pain could have been avoided.
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