Friday, October 10, 2008

Perspective: Urban Schools: What is Happening to the Urban Public Schools in this Country?

I will begin with an article that I recently read, about an urban school, Cardozo High School, located in northwest Washington, D.C. This school has a rich history which dates back to the early 1930s. At one time this school symbolized the essence of a quality education; currently it has problems of unimaginable proportions. My mother graduated from this school as well as several other relatives in my family. As a young man growing up in D.C., I never heard or read anything negative about it. This school is now plagued with so many disparaging issues that would dwarf any adverse dream I could have about it.

The architecture of this school is spectacular. It is considered a historical landmark. It’s located up on a hill and from this vantage point there is a magnificent view of other landmarks such as the Capital, the Monument, and many other important structures. It was known for its sports, marching bands, and academics. Its very existence and what it stood for made me proud to be a Washingtonian.

It sickens me to see the neglect of this iconic historical structure. Students complain that it is hard to focus on academia because of the neglect and disrepair. Paint peeling from walls and lockers, holes in the gymnasium floor, inoperable bathrooms along with numerous other infrastructure problems which could cost millions to repair

Why was this allowed to happen in the first place? Has it gotten that bad in some urban communities that the people, politicians and policy makers just don’t care anymore? What happened to the dignity, and moral fiber by which this country was built? Should we continue to rely on the very people that we elect, to perpetrate this outrageous neglect? How can students get a quality education when the infrastructure of the building is falling apart around them? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what the result of this will be. The students are the ones who will be most affected.


The people of the community need to take a firm stand and confront the policy makers from the top down, and demand action. Registered voters have power and the politicians need your vote. Make it known that your voice will be heard and that you have a vested interest in the schools within your district. This is the only way to salvage our school system, to enable our children to get a quality education to compete in this global diverse economy of the 21st century and beyond.