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By Willie Btown
News that 5 Inglewood schools are on the chopping block is a hard pill to swallow. It is the result of a sharp decline in enrollment over the past few years—from 18,000 students to slightly less than 7,000.
Schools affected include Morningside High School, Crozier Middle School, and Hudnall, Highland and Kelso Elementary Schools. Displaced Morningside students will end up at either Inglewood High School or a new high school academy that is planned. Crozier Middle School students will have several options, including Frank D. Parent, La Tiera, Oak Street, Payne and Woodworth-Monroe. The affected elementary schools will be relocated to Warren Lane Elementary, which was previously closed, but will reopen, according to reports.
Parents are up in arms over the news, citing inconvenience and unwelcome changes in their family’s routine. Some have said the decision to close certain schools and keep others open was based on their proximity to the city’s entertainment venues. They argue that schools near So-Fi and the Forum, were saved from the closures.
I can’t say whether this is true or not, but like County Administrator Dr. James Morris, I am concerned about having children navigate getting to and from school near a heavily trafficked area, near major transportation. It’s a safety issue.
A lot has been said about how people in Inglewood feel about the pending closures. But not enough explanation has been given about the reasons why.
For starters, Inglewood public schools have been under state conservatorship for the past 12 years, amidst charges of fiscal mismanagement. The District currently pays the State of California $2 million a year to manage the schools.
As unfortunate as it is, the fact is what we see happening here in Inglewood is part of a growing trend in urban-based schools in general, and California in particular. State schools have been losing students due to massive migration. People are moving out of California. A lowered birth rate in the state is another reason. The impact or Covid 19 and the subsequent rise in virtual learning; a decline in enrollment at traditional colleges and increased interest in trade schools have all played a part.
Fewer students mean fewer dollars for our schools. So it’s clear to see the economics behind the closures. While no one can really argue economics, it’s not that easy to quantify factors such as the emotional and logistical toll that relocation will put on some families. Then there are other factors like tradition, legacy and concern over quality education.
Again, I am in agreement with Dr. Morris, who said, “A school is more than a building.” Some things can’t be measured by dollars and cents.
If it is any consolation to concerned educators, students, and their families, the District will be investing more than $200 million toward a long overdue renovation of Inglewood High School. Hopefully, having some schools closed in Inglewood will mean more dollars available toward the ones that remain open. Let’s hope for the best.
