BRENHAM ISD SEEKING TO RELOCATE PRIDE ACADEMY PROGRAM TO HIGH SCHOOL
Brenham ISD is planning to move the Pride Academy program from the Community Education building to the Brenham High School campus, but the proposal has been met with some opposition from families.
A press release from the school district today (Friday) says the decision to house the accelerated learning program at the high school will begin with the spring semester on January 9th.
The district says the decision “is not a reduction of programs but a strategic restructuring aimed at optimizing academic and fiscal resources for the benefit of students and the district.” It further says that “all perspectives have been considered during this transition.”
The Pride Academy offers self-paced education, General Educational Development (GED) programs, internship and community service opportunities. It also includes the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), but Brenham ISD Communications Director Brooke Trahan says the Community Education building will continue to serve as the home for DAEP, as well as the district’s Leading and Learning department. Trahan says the district remains “committed to maintaining essential programs and services at the Community Education building.”
An online petition at www.change.org in opposition to the proposal has over 200 signatures. The petition reads that the Pride Academy “has been a beacon of hope for many students who have faced academic challenges in their educational journey.” It further reads that this decision would be “pulling away this lifeline from our kids who need it most.”
According to the district, Pride Academy students will meet individually with their counselors over the coming days to discuss credit reviews, schedule adjustments and graduation plans. Parents and guardians are invited to participate in the transition by communicating with the district.
Acting Brenham ISD Superintendent Clay Gillentine says, “We are confident that this strategic restructuring will enhance the academic opportunities available to our students. Our goal is to continue fostering a supportive environment that contributes to the ongoing success of each student within Pride Academy.”
KWHI plans to visit next week with Gillentine to discuss the decision in more detail.
The full press release from Brenham ISD can be read below:
Brenham ISD Announces Restructuring of Pride Academy for Enhanced Academic Opportunities
BRENHAM, December 8, 2023 — Brenham Independent School District (Brenham ISD) addresses recent inquiries regarding the proposed relocation of Pride Academy to the main Brenham High School campus. The district wishes to clarify that this decision is not a reduction of programs but a strategic restructuring aimed at optimizing academic and fiscal resources for the benefit of students and the district.
Understanding that students choose Pride Academy for diverse reasons, Brenham ISD assures parents, guardians, and the community that all perspectives have been considered during this transition. The district has engaged in comprehensive discussions with Pride Academy educators and families both in person and through digital communication channels.
Beginning the Spring Semester, January 9th, 2024, Pride Academy will be housed on the main Brenham High School campus. To facilitate a seamless transition, students will engage in individual meetings with their counselors over the next two days. These sessions will cover topics such as credit reviews, graduation plans, and adjustments to their schedules.
Brenham ISD emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration by extending invitations to parents and guardians to actively participate in this transitional process, either in person or via phone communication.
"We are confident that this strategic restructuring will enhance the academic opportunities available to our students," said Clay Gillentine, Acting Superintendent of Brenham ISD. "Our goal is to continue fostering a supportive environment that contributes to the ongoing success of each student within Pride Academy."
Sounds like this move is centered around finances and not at all about what’s best for the kids. Most of these kids are at PRIDE academy because they were struggling or not performing to their full potential in the high school or the traditional education. setting so they went to PRIDE academy. And now you’re throwing them right back into the same environment they were struggling in? You are failing these children.