Susan Neilsen discussed an interesting idea in her column today.
When talking about Jefferson and the possibilities of closing it or changing it, it’s crucial to remember that it’s historically a racially charged discussion. This school has a history. Putting “closing Jeff” on the table draws the eye and often the ire of vocal supports in the African American community. However, the building itself needs repairs, many students have transferred out, and it has the lowest (by far) student population of all of the PPS high schools.
Martin Gonzales brought up the idea of moving the Benson program to Jefferson. I’m not crazy about the Benson program as it is- a “career center?” It seems like doing this to Benson, currently a thriving school, would cripple growth there and it would be difficult to bring it back online as a high school. Although it is an extension of the magnet progam, I think it brings it to the realm of hyperbole.
But Jefferson, already with a smaller population and a neighborhood without faith in it? I think this is an interesting idea that could use some more discussion.
