From the outside, it may seem the hours of discussion that preceded a recent re-vote on a restructuring of Lake Middle School were a waste of time.
After all, the 4-3 tally was the exact same result as when the Denver Public Schools board took up the matter last month.
But we think it was important to allow the board, with its three newly elected members in place, to have a chance to study the issues and hear out the people with concerns.
The board ultimately made what we think is the right call by supporting plans to reconfigure Lake, which is the city’s lowest-performing and most troubled middle school.
The change would phase out Lake’s current International Baccalaureate program, and replace it with a smaller IB program, one grade at a time. The IB program would share space with West Denver Preparatory charter school, an operation that has had enormous success elsewhere in building academic achievement.
It is a solid plan that maintains a strong option for those who want an IB education, yet offers the broader neighborhood the opportunity to enroll in a highly successful middle school charter program.
For various reasons, the plan has been controversial. And perhaps it can be fine-tuned through the years to meet the changing needs of the students who live in the area.
But let’s keep in mind that Lake is the lowest-performing middle school in the city. It has all sorts of organizational and academic problems. Year after year, children are being moved through that sub-par school.
Let us also remember that West Denver Prep is an enormously successful program, particularly with the demographic of children who predominate in the area, low-income Latinos.
We do not think charters ought to be a one-size-fits-all abdication of the absolute responsibility to strengthen neighborhood schools. However, let us not forget that the children who attend Lake this year, next year and the year after that cannot — and should not — wait for broader reforms to improve their school experience.
Lose them in middle school, and they’re likely lost forever.
The Lake restructuring is a good plan that takes into account today’s realities and the needs of the current students.
We’re glad to see it was supported by the new board and found it heartening that it included the support of Nate Easley Jr., who was seen as of something of a wild card vote on the board.
During the school board campaign, Easley received significant financial support from the teachers union, which is frequently at odds with the DPS administration over reform efforts.
The thought was that Easley would be a reliable vote in favor of union positions. Though one vote certainly does not constitute a pattern, we are glad to see Easley take a stand in favor of these reforms.
Change is difficult, and this particular plan for education restructuring has ignited activism in northwest Denver. Now that there has been a full airing of the plans before the new board, we would hope to see that response morph into community energy supporting these important reforms.
