Community and staff urge board to keep Andrew Langston Middle School intact

Summary

Dozens of students, parents and teachers told the Rochester Board of Education on April 29 that Andrew Langston Middle School should not be split or lose most of its staff, describing a year-old program of new programs, community ties and student supports that speakers said would be undermined by proposed moves.

Dozens of students, parents and teachers packed the Rochester Board of Education meeting on April 29 to oppose a proposed reorganization that would move Andrew Langston Middle School and, speakers said, leave much of the staff behind.

Speakers emphasized continuity and relationship-building at the less-than-one-year-old school and asked the board to move the program intact. ‘‘Please let us stay together. Don’t split us up,’’ said Raven Lucas, a seventh-grader at Andrew Langston Middle School, during the public-comment period.

Speakers said the school has rapidly established programs and supports they view as essential to students’ progress. ‘‘Cutting over half of our staff isn’t just a logistical decision, it’s a moral one,’’ said Adam McIntyre Ross, an art teacher who said he moved to Langston to help build its arts program. McIntyre described student-led projects, a comic-book publishing clinic, mock trials, a podcasting program and Saturday school offerings, and warned that removing most staff would ‘‘risk…

Community and staff urge board to keep Andrew Langston Middle School intact

Summary

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