OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Fessenden Elementary School, a nearly 160-year-old institution in Marion County and listed on the National Historic Register since 1994, faces possible closure – sparking community concern.
For parents and longtime residents, Fessenden is rooted in tradition, pride, and educational commitment. News of its uncertain future has prompted questions.
An email announcing a community meeting on March 26 and 27 was sent just before spring break. Poor internal communication left many families blindsided. The school’s significance to the African American community, and the proposal to bus students to Reddick-Collier Elementary – currently at 50% capacity – has deepened concerns.
“If we have something as important as community input… and another department sends out the sky alert and then we find out about it in an email, that is internal communication that’s not working,” said Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) board member Dr. Allison Campbell. “It is completely unacceptable.”
A meeting will be held March 26 at North Marion Middle School at 6:30 p.m.
The timing of the notice was criticized as lacking transparency and care. Rev. Leroy S. Chandler of New Saint Paul Church said, “I know that there are other meetings… but I will say to you these meetings… are too soon.”
Students were on break until March 24. Many asked why families weren’t given more notice.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers,'” Rev. Chandler added. “The grass represents our children.”
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Closures typically follow performance, safety, or budget issues – none apply to Fessenden, said community member Saundra Brown Henderson. Rev. Chandler emphasized the school’s safe, nurturing environment.
Reddick-Collier, opened in 1992, has low enrollment. Board members expressed frustration over the poor communication.
“We have not been transparent… not been responsible,” said MCPS Vice Chair Rev. Eric Cummings. “It seems like… the communities that get left out are the disenfranchised communities, the communities that look like me.”
Board member Nancy Thrower added, “The problem is chronic low enrollment at Reddick.”