Parker focuses on growth, options in ‘State of MCS’

MADISON – Superintendent Robby Parker focused on plans to sustain academic caliber while facing continuous growth in his 2018 “State of Madison City Schools” report.

Parker spoke to a crowded auditorium at James Clemens High School on Jan. 23.

“We expect 3,500 more students in 10 years,” Parker said. “To stay where we’re at (academically and other areas), we have work to do. We can’t sit on our laurels. We have to keep the schools demographically equal.”

“Rezoning must occur to keep schools within capacity and to keep schools demographically equal,” Parker said. “This vision and the direction we decide to take will impact your children, your property values and the future of Madison City Schools.”

To demonstrate student and teacher accomplishments, Parker commended National Merit Semifinalists, National Board Certified Teachers, number-three ranking in state for test scores, fine arts (drama, visual arts and band) achievements and superior athletics.

“What changed Bob Jones in the 1990s is when we pushed the arts. I was there. I saw it change the school,” Parker said to audience applause.

In the last 11 months, MCS has added world language, curriculum to guide students to “new-collar jobs” and advanced math for elementary grades.

Four-year-olds who complete First Class Pre-kindergarten excel compared to peers who don’t. MCS now uses a “straight lottery” because pre-K classroom space is at capacity.

In 1993, citizens passed an 11-mill property tax went to build the new Bob Jones High School. In 1998, the city decided to establish its own school system.

In the district’s 20 years, completed construction includes building Heritage, Columbia and Mill Creek elementary schools, James Clemens, Central Office, transportation center and stadium, Pre-K center; renovating West Madison and Madison elementary schools (twice); adding wing at Bob Jones; and renovating middle schools for sixth-graders.

“We spent a lot but we physically don’t have any more. We have more coming,” Parker said. Today, MCS has 10,543 (minus pre-K); in 10 years, that population will be 13,000.

In five years (without rezoning), Madison high schools will be at 97 percent capacity, middle schools at 100-plus percent and elementary at 95 percent.

The MCS vision includes current additions at Liberty and Discovery; converting West Madison to a pre-kindergarten center (and maintain existing one at Rainbow Elementary School); building new elementary for 900 students; building new middle school with performing arts space; and either building new high school or expanding Bob Jones and James Clemens, he said.

Rezoning is inevitable, Parker said. “In Madison, we don’t have a rich school and a poor school. If our schools aren’t diverse, our kids suffer for it.”

To follow up, Parker and the board will conduct public meetings to hear questions and opinions from citizens: Feb. 1, noon, Central Office board room; Feb. 15, 6 p.m., West Madison gymnasium; and Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Columbia.