"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Last month, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools won the Broad Prize, a national award for urban education.
With it comes national recognition and $550,000 in scholarships.
Now, you may wonder how that was possible…considering all the controversy surrounding CMS last year.
Hundreds of teachers were laid off, and CMS closed a dozen mostly-minority schools.
Well, the prize was awarded based on results from the fall of 20-10.
That was before those school-closing decisions were made.
Some teachers and activists are critical of the Broad Foundation and its involvement in public education.
They say it promotes closing schools, firing teachers and privatizing public education to help boost academic achievement in inner city schools.
But no one can argue that CMS taking home the top prize will change students' lives forever.
And that's what it's all about.
We are pleased CMS test scores increased in every subject area and the achievement gap between black and white students decreased.
That's the reason CMS won.
We also hope that type of achievement happens every year.
But keep in mind...it will take effective teachers, smart principals, a savvy school board and engaged parents and community.
In other words…all of us.
So, do your part so CMS can continue to bring home the gold.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
