By Shawn Nowlin
When Stacey Carter was a senior at William Fleming High School in the late ‘90s, she says some of her classes had more than 35 students.
Speaking about what that experience was like, she noted, “Overall, I had a great high school experience. My teachers were great, and my friends were even better. So many memories were made that I will forever cherish. I was never a huge fan of how crowded some of my classrooms were though. That environment led to countless distractions.”
According to the latest school board documents, both RCPS high schools are currently populated past 120 percent capacity with each enrolling more than 1,600 pupils this year.
Conversations are happening about whether students will utilize the Jefferson Center as a magnet school to help with the overcrowding issue at both Patrick Henry and William Fleming High. There are additional variables, but the biggest difference between magnet schools and traditional high schools is that the former offers specialized coursework and classes.
When Superintendent Verletta White pitched the idea to transform the Jefferson Center into a magnet school for the arts and sciences, she emphasized that “no such magnet school exists in Southwest Virginia.”
Something of this magnitude does not happen without many people working tirelessly behind the scenes. Carter Smith, a father of three teens, welcomes the idea of the magnet school.
“It is not enough to simply acknowledge a problem, doing something about it makes all the difference in the world. None of our students should be forced to learn in cramped classrooms. When all is said and done, I am confident that the right decision will get made,” he said.
The Jefferson Center, originally built as a high school 101 years ago, is owned by the city. Officials say that more than $6.7 million is needed for critical infrastructure improvements.
Two years from now, Carter would like to envision a scenario where the magnet school is thriving. “It is not lost on me that some are against the Jefferson Center idea. From experience, I can say that if this option existed during my Colonels days, my parents most definitely would have taken full advantage.”
RCPS expanding its two high schools or building an entirely new school is also on the table. For the most up to date information, visit rcps.info.
How this situation plays out will have a tremendous domino effect on future students and staff.
