THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509010181
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 212 lines
I am a grandfather who is concerned about our educational system. I do not believe that white teachers should teach only white students, nor black teachers should teach only black students. I believe that teachers should be familiar with the background of all students. In order to have a good education, teachers must have a familiar background of each student. Human beings cannot have a good association with each other if they are separated.
If our administrators and members of the Portsmouth School Board would look upon our children as human beings, not as a political footballs, it would eliminate racial and educational problems in our communities.
We must acknowledge that our school is a social institution; therefore, if we have community schools in this day and time, knowing the condition of our society, we are overlooking the social activities that come with a good education.
The opportunity for a black child to receive an equal education may disappear if we are forced to reevaluate our priorities.
I believe that community schools will discourage our young black children with consequence. Let us not forget that black people in the past have always been given ``false definitions.'' Even today, we are receiving false definitions. The community school is a false definition of ``equal education.''
I also believe that for all the children of Portsmouth, civil rights for an equal education are threatened. Perhaps, it has been sold for a promised I.C. Norcom High School. There are those who have forgotten the price that others paid to have an equal education, Not a ``separate, but equal education.''
Yes, I disagree with the project called, ``community school.'' And I wish I had the means to disobey its ruling.
There are citizens who believe that having community schools and perhaps a new I.C. Norcom will bring back those students who are in private schools.
To whom it may concern, I am not against a new Norcom, but I am against segregation in the '90s. If there are problems in the school system, perhaps with suitable wages and dedication, our school would become better.
One of my concerns about community schools is, if there is (less than $5 million) to maintain the schools in Portsmouth and $4 million is set aside for a new Norcom, how will we finance these community schools?
Leon J. Boone
Douglas Avenue
Aug. 28, 1995 Norcom vote applauded
I enthusiastically agree with Del. Kenneth Melvin in his recognition of the courage, sensitivity and vision necessary to ensure the construction of a new I.C. Norcom High School. I join with Del. Melvin in commending City Council on its decision.
The arguments against building a new Norcom chiefly centered on money and whether there was a need to build a new school in the city. The same arguments were made against the building of a new Churchland High School. However, Churchland was built without the anguish that has been associated with the construction of a new Norcom. Nor did money thwart the plans for the proposed horse racing track or the Children's Museum. The funding of those three projects coupled with the Norcom construction controversy created the impression that the city could fund some projects to the detriment of others.
Considering the history and tradition of excellence at Norcom, and its importance in the African-American community, it seemed counterproductive to emphasize monetary concerns over the costs of a divided and wounded city.
Council's vote sent a strong message that despite pressures to the contrary, there is no price to be placed upon peace and healing for our city.
F. Mae Copeland
Fayette Street
Aug. 30, 1995
Editor's Note: A large portion of the money for the Children's Museum came from private donations. Education networking
I am writing in regard to ``Good for schools,'' which ran Aug. 27.
I am disappointed that there was no mention of the Community Networking Association. I am one of many individuals who are taking part. I was impressed with the training for moderators given by CNA and The Virginian-Pilot with the help of Virginia Wesleyan.
I urge you to help inform the public about CNA. Deliberation is a good way to include and examine a lot of diverse views on education. What I came away with is the fact that everyone has a stake in education!
Perhaps, the profound thing is that I was affected by the process. We can certainly gain from seeing things from different perspectives as they relate to individuals, families, businesses, schools, city, state and the federal government.
Jonathan P. Brown
Moderator for CNA
Aug. 27, 1995 Ethnic attire proper?
It really bothers me to see members of our City Council repeatedly attired in outer garments that announce their African heritage while representing all the citizens of Portsmouth.
What message are they trying to portray? Could it be that they represent the African-American population of the city, first and foremost?
These folks were elected by the citizens of Portsmouth, both black and white. They were elected to provide leadership for all and should not attempt, in any manner, to indicate that they lean toward one race or another. Their leadership should be one that unites rather than divides. If we would happen to elect a Native American to council, should we expect him or her to adorn a war bonnet at their meetings?
I respect ``rights and roots,'' however, I suggest to use a public office for such expressions helps fertilize the division among our races. What is wrong with the American way? We all proclaim that rich heritage and over all others, I hope?
I, too, am among the numerous citizens of Portsmouth who are currently relocating their residence to another city because we are fed up with such typical insensitive representation, fiscal irresponsibility and poor image. I hope my exodus, in some small way, sends off a message of protest that is currently shared by many.
H.M. Petrey
Mayflower Road
Aug. 28, 1995 Image tarnished again
Government Review in Portsmouth (GRIP) met Aug. 23 at the Life Bank Building Auditorium. I was authorized to post this position statement with City Council and the media:
While GRIP is concerned about the lowering of our city's bond rating, it is more concerned about the aura of City Hall secrecy, which shielded that fact from City Council, our Municipal Finance Commission and citizens of Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth city image has again been tarnished!
Members of GRIP express concern over City Manager Ronald Massie's proposal to hire a long-range financial planning consultant. His suggestion comes soon after your city manger's staff was revamped at considerable municipal expense to take charge of our city's declining economic and fiscal fortunes. City Council should take any action (approval, modification or rejection) regarding this proposal to retain another outside planning consultant in open public session with full media disclosure.
M.H. Morris
President, GRIP
Aug. 24, 1995 Don't close bridge
This letter is in response to a comment made by Cameron C. Pitts in the Aug. 27 Virginian-Pilot. The topic of discussion was the closing of the causeway located in the Westhaven area. The comment stated that he would be in more favor of closing the Clifford Street bridge as opposed to the causeway. This proposed action appears to be a blatant attempt to assuage the anguish of those either for or against the closing of the causeway.
It would seem to me that our leaders of council could be a little more strategic in their problem solving than this. Never should it be acceptable to eliminate one problem by creating another. The mere suggestion of closing the bridge on Clifford Street, which acts as a major connector of many types of traffic pursuing access to our City Park, such as community motorists, boaters, cyclists and pedestrians, most certainly creates a world of concern.
I, personally, rely on the bridge since I am a citizen of the Churchland area and commute regularly as a visitor to the park. Not to mention the inconvenience it would impose on the many boaters who rely on the bridge for access to the boating ramp. Closing the bridge would force the boaters to trailer their boats all the way around Airline Boulevard and back up City Park Avenue.
I hope Mr. Pitts reconsiders his opinion, for I know I do not stand alone in my opposition to the closing of the Clifford Street bridge.
Johnny E. Webb
Thornwood Street
Aug. 29, 1995 Harmony not about cash
I have been reading the articles in the newspaper concerning the new Norcom High School and there is no way that I can contain my feelings on this issue.
I have read that the building of this school will achieve ``racial harmony.'' I disagree!
Racial harmony is a people issue - not monetary. You are trying to appease a percentage of our population at a great cost to all of the citizens of Portsmouth.
I find it difficult to believe that this harmony is going to come about because the citizens of Portsmouth are tasked to spend millions and millions of dollars.
And, to comment on Melvin's statement about Norcom being the lightning rod for all that is ugly in our city concerning the issues of race - OK, so what is the next lightning rod going to be and how much will it cost? How much more is the City Council willing to obligate the citizens to pay?
So, what does it matter that Churchland has a new school with quite a few problems? The city made a costly mistake with that school and now they want to compound it by building a new Norcom?
Why?
Does the City Council know what was done with Maury High School and how successful it was in improving the school and how much it cost compared to a new school?
Since Norcom meant so much and it was a good school, was there a reason that the same method could not be used to restore Norcom?
It certainly didn't bother the City Council to take away Manor High School and make it Woodrow Wilson High School. They decided to condemn Cradock High School as unsafe - although ODU is enjoying the use of it.
Why is it that they make some decisions very easily and have such a difficult time with others?
Why is it that they are allowing this city to be governed by racial issues? Why cannot some issues be decided by just being practical?
After reading about how low SAT scores are, it seems to me we should change our direction to education! A new school does not improve education - teaching does.
How low are we willing to let education go before they realize what they have done and that no one is to blame but the City Council and the School Board? Not only that, they are doing it with our money - not theirs.
I, for one, am embarrassed about our children's education and how they are rated nationwide, aren't you?
I have never been prejudiced, but the blacks are definitely making me feel differently. And, it is irritating and frustrating that the other Portsmouth schools will suffer greatly, for years, because all of their money is going to I.C. Norcom.
Mary Parrish
Warren Drive
Aug. 28, 1995 by CNB