Monday, March 9, 2009

Should Joe Walker Elementary get air conditioning?

It's an issue that came up at McGuffey's recent school board meeting. Some parents say it's not fair that the elementary school is the only school in the district without air conditioning. They suggest it impacts the learning environment. Others say that in this tough economic time, McGuffey can't afford to spend at least $500,000 to air condition the school. And, they say, if the district is going to spend the money, it should be on something that benefits all students.
What do you think?

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5 Comments:

Blogger Cheryl Chamberlain said...

in reading the article, i noticed a comment on there about a new stadium. i guess i would question #1 where the district can gets off approving something like that, and choosing sports over education. i was a sports fanatic in school myself, but i would have much rather come into a cool school than worry about how 'top notch' our stadium was. also, #2 where was the budget for this school while others were built/or receiving AC in those buildings.

i went to an elementary and jr high that had no AC, and i remember the noises from outside, the sweat dripping off my forehead onto my test as i took it, and yes, it was and IS a distraction for students.

if the school board refuses to visit this when it comes to their budget, time for the taxpayers, teachers, parents and families to hold an AC fundraiser, or try to find a grant for such a need.

March 9, 2009 at 1:47 PM  
Blogger Ellipses said...

Do they have performance trends for students who went to a non-ac school and students who went to an ac school? Since both exist in the district, it would be interesting to see if there is a difference in academic achievement in high school between the two groups.

March 9, 2009 at 2:06 PM  
Blogger Dawn Keller said...

If you want to see PSSA results for individual schools or districts, you can go to www.paayp.com. Joe Walker and Claysville are the two elementary schools in McGuffey. Joe Walker's attendance is one percent higher, its math scores are 6 percent higher and its reading scores are 5 percent higher.
Of course, PSSAs and No Child Left Behind are only one way to judge a school.

March 10, 2009 at 2:41 PM  
Blogger Ellipses said...

Fascinating, Thanks!

March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM  
Blogger amom said...

Joe Walker has higher attendance and test schools without air conditioning? So much for the difficulty in learning in sweltering heat!

March 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM  

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