Sunday's Internet Edition, May 11, 2008.
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An overflowing crowd of parents, educators and concerned citizens heard a lengthy discussion between middle school educators and the board of education on whether to proceed with SMOD. Some 30 middle school faculty members were on hand, wearing SMOD stickers on their shirts supporting the proposal of uniforms.
Despite constant attempts to get feedback from parents on the SMOD, only 35 to 40 parents have expressed support for the uniforms. TMS Principal Georgia Marshall told the board that she sent out more than 600 surveys last month seeking parental comments. Marshall said her staff has mostly received positive verbal feedback.
“As a receptionist it is my responsibility to answer the phones at the school,” said Angela Hickernell, the middle school’s receptionist. “We haven’t had one negative call come into the office regarding SMOD. Parents have been excited about SMOD.”
Those positive comments regarding SMOD were not enough for the school board Tuesday night.
Dr. Daniel Cockman, TCS superintendent, told the school board and public that he and the board need more statistics on the issue.
“I think there are a good number of parents who support it, but I haven’t heard the big numbers,” Cockman said. “We are talking about 600 students and [SMOD will have] a major impact. I do want to make sure our community has had adequate information. I’ve [only] got information second hand, for and against.”
Cockman made the recommendation for Marshall and her staff to send a letter home with the students to ask for parental input. Those letters have to be submitted in two weeks before the school board’s next meeting, where the issue will once again return.
Before the recommendation, loud applauses from the middle school faculty were given for remarks made by Marshall and Dr. George B. Jackson, pastor of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship and chairman of the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee.
Board member Jeff Kirkland asked the middle school principal if there were any more resources to get parental feedback.
“As I am standing here and if my staff is willing, I will hit the streets and go door to door,” Marshall said in response. “You have to understand, I’ve been in this for 30 years. I’ve been door to door and asked questions. I can go to church on Sunday mornings. We can stand outside and as the congregation walks out, we can get a ‘yes or no.’”
Meanwhile, Jackson emphasized that SMOD would help combat Thomasville’s gang problem – a problem school and police officials now say does exist in the Chair City.
“There is a real problem in our community,” Jackson said to the school board. “There is a gang problem.”
Gangs identify themselves with colors, attire and wardrobe, Jackson said.
“It is a real sign,” he said. “Our students are under pressure from gangs to reveal what side they’re on. If all the students at the middle school show up with the same kind of slacks on and similar shirts on, they have on a uniform that represents school unity and pride. You eliminate the gang influence at least on the school ground.”
Following the meeting, Cockman said the school system has seen an increase in gang activity recently. An agenda distributed to the media contained a three-page story concerning gangs that Cockman shared with his administrators.
“We certainly want to raise the awareness and do everything to be proactive with dealing with gangs,” the superintendent said. “What you heard tonight is a consideration of another reason to look at uniforms.”
In other business:
• By unanimous vote, the school board approved a 50 cents increase for lunches. Students at Thomasville Primary School will now have to pay $1.75 and the cost will be $2 at Liberty Drive Elementary School, Thomasville Middle School and Thomasville High School.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.