BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO PRIDE ACADEMY

  

The Brenham School Board held a dialogue on Monday about Brenham ISD’s decision to move the Pride Academy accelerated learning program from the Community Education building to the high school campus. 

No action was taken, but trustees reviewed the financial and operational reasons for the change and discussed how it will affect students once it becomes effective in the spring semester.  They also heard from two Pride students who shared the positive influence that Pride has had on them and their concerns about how this may negatively impact them and their classmates. 

Acting Superintendent Clay Gillentine said this was not an easy decision to make, but reassured that there was never a thought to take Pride away altogether.  He said the plan is to continue the core structure of the program as it is now, but if the district can keep meeting students’ needs while also saving money by absorbing personnel costs, it is obligated to do that. 

Gillentine told KWHI previously that the district expects to save approximately $300,000 in personnel costs from this school year to next.

Pride students Abigail Hutchins and Austin Law, who spoke on the behalf of Breanni Martinez, approached the board during the public comment portion of the meeting to talk about the opportunities they have received through Pride.  Both said they were shocked to learn this move was happening, and that they do not feel they will be welcomed at the high school the way they are currently.  Hutchins said she feels student opinion is being removed from the equation.

Gillentine reiterated that Pride students will have the option of physically separating from the traditional high school students if they choose to.  Students in the disciplinary alternative education program will stay at the Community Education building.

Several board members expressed the difficult nature of the situation.  Trustee Kelvin Raven acknowledged there is a “budget crisis” but said he does not take the situation of these students for granted and would prefer the district to finish the rest of the school year with the current model before making any changes.  Trustee Tommie Sullivan agreed, adding that any cost benefits the district sees from making the move would be for naught if students drop out of Pride. 

Board President Natalie Lange said this is a very uncomfortable decision, one that the district would not normally make mid-year, but the district is looking everywhere to save how it can.  Trustee Bonnie Brinkmeyer said it is a hard choice either way and applauded the students who came forward to speak on the matter.  Trustee Archer Archer said board members understand the gravity of this decision and that they will do their best to make this transition as smooth as possible.