Years ago, on the rare occasion when someone, anyone, spoke of consolidating the Valdosta and Lowndes County school systems, the discussion was conducted in a whisper, with usually the veiled implication that such talk was to go no further.
Whether it was concerns about football traditions, race, or differing academic programs, a discussion on consolidating the school systems was not entered lightly.
Most local politicians, who wanted to attain or retain elected office, avoided any mention of school consolidation on or off the record.
Bring up the subject of consolidation amidst the wrong group of people at the wrong place, at the wrong time, which was almost anywhere in the city or county not too many years ago, and the offender could expect to at least be shushed, shouted down, potentially threatened, and possibly punched.
While there are still two school systems for Valdosta and Lowndes County, things have changed.
From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce hosts a public meeting at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center on the subject of school consolidation.
The public meeting follows the recent release of the chamber’s report on the economic impact of consolidating the school systems. Through a survey of hundreds of local chamber members and business people, 81 percent chose a consolidated school system.
For the past, few years, The Valdosta Daily Times editorial board has listed school consolidation as one of our editorial objectives. It is the only objective that has made it on each list, year after year. While, ultimately, we would like to see the city and county schools consolidated, we have repeatedly placed it on our lists of objectives hoping it would, at least, remain a point of public discussion.
The public meeting will allow area residents to speak their minds on school consolidation. There will likely be those who are for consolidation and those who are against it. But one thing is for certain, school consolidation will be what everyone’s talking about.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Consolidation: Something to talk about
- What We Think
-
-
Ash Wednesday
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, was technically yesterday but will be observed with much revelry and parades in many cities around the world.
-
New memories of ‘Motown Magic’
The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter Series has long brought a touch of Broadway and Las Vegas to South Georgia.
-
What We Think: Ham & Egg tradition continues
In 1950, counties throughout Georgia established agricultural shows to promote the produce of black farmers.
-
What We Think: Losing the public’s trust
In last week’s online poll, The Times asked, Do you trust elected officials to make decisions for you?
-
Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta Police Department Detective Chris Crews and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Deputy Lisa Lee who were both named Officers of the Year this week during the Fifth Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. Crews helped solve two cold-case murders within the Valdosta city limits during 2011. Lee daily helps young people make the right choices in life as a DARE officer. They exemplify the best in law enforcement. Thumbs up to all South Georgia law officers.
-
Optimistic realism
While experts initially predicted a quick recovery from the economic downturn, and many locally insisted that Valdosta was recession-proof, events in recent years have shown that not to be the case.
-
A sign of our Time
Jon Stewart had a funny piece on “The Daily Show” recently that was, actually, sad when one stops to consider it.
The piece featured what the venerable news magazine Time has on the cover of its international editions vs. the same week’s cover story on the American versions. -
The campaign of rising gas prices
As if the lack of economic recovery isn’t enough of a sore point across the country these days, experts predict another huge spike in gas prices come summer.
-
Don’t fall back on greeting cards
From the end of January through the first weeks of February, it becomes impossible to ignore the onslaught of marketing directed at couples, telling them what they need to make Valentine’s Day happy. Cards, flowers, special teddy bears — the message seems to be that love for another person equals buying lots of stuff.
-
Park renaissance
If you haven't noticed lately, take a look at your community's ball parks and fields. Seriously, take a visit. You will either find work recently completed, work going on, or possibly work about to start.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority is overseeing a renaissance in the community's fields. - More What We Think Headlines
-
Ash Wednesday
