Over the past 40 years, Jacksonville has always seemed to be at odds with the state and adopted a go-it-alone attitude.
So it was nice to hear Monday night that the state has the city’s back on the separate school district issue, a much-appreciated change from not too many years ago.
Tom Kimbrell, the state’s education commissioner, told Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce members and guests at the its annual banquet he was all for the city forming its own district, and when his state board votes on the issue later this month or next that “they will bless and support the idea.”
“I truly believe it’s going to happen and for the right reasons—for the kids,” the commissioner said.
Kimbrell, who lives in Cabot, wasn’t just blowing political smoke: He was truly genuine in his belief and we appreciate his support, but it’s a shame that it took almost 40 years to get the backing of a state education commissioner.
In his speech at Monday’s dinner, Kimbrell saluted Pulaski County Special School District Superintendent Jerry Guess as a driving force — besides the dozens and dozens of Jacksonville residents who have fought and are still fighting for an independent school district — behind the turnaround for Jacksonville.
Guess, in his state-appointed position as the PCSSD superintendent, has spent countless hours in meetings to get the wheels moving on the Jacksonville school bus. In December, both he and Kimbrell were in agreement with U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall when he gave the go-ahead to Jacksonville to proceed with forming its own school district.
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has also approved the plan to form an independent school district for Jacksonville.
The next hurdle then becomes the state school board, but Kimbrell, while offering no guarantees, feels confident the board will give Jacksonville a hurrah and allow its residents to vote on the district.
New chamber president Daniel Gray expects that vote to be in September, and he expects it to be a resounding “yes.”
If so, Jacksonville could have its own district by the 2015 school year, but that’s where the hurdles may get even higher and harder to clear. Even though it may have its own district, Jacksonville will remain under PCSSD control for up to two years. During that time, the state could relinquish state control of the district, giving it back to local powers, and that may also mean a new superintendent.
This is a win for the residents, for the economy, for the city’s reputation, and mostly for the children. Next season’s battles will come soon enough.
