Magnet program expanding with new name
The district's academic middle school magnet and virtual learning programs will combine campuses under a new name in fall 2017.
Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning will encompass Phoenix Magnet's expanded program and Aiken Virtual, which students attend either on a part-time basis or completely online. It will be located on a campus directly across from Phoenix Magnet's elementary program on Lincoln Road in Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish School Board approved a multifaceted plan for accommodating upper-grade-level magnet students on Tuesday after months of discussion centered around the need for such a program. One of Phoenix Magnet's PTO officers told board members something they have heard at several meetings now: Parents need more middle school options.
"That's where, in my opinion, Rapides Parish has always fallen short," Reldon Owens said.
Superintendent Nason "Tony" Authement also acknowledged the perception. He said enrollment reports show Rapides loses middle school students to private and parochial schools, and those same students return for high school.
"By you approving this proposal, we eliminate that issue," Authement told board members.
A limited number of seventh-grade spots were offered at Phoenix for the first time this year until a decision was made about how a complete middle school program would be accommodated.
Administration presented three options for housing magnet students in grades six through eight several months ago and recommended the one that passed. The plan involves a campus swap for the district's alternative-learning program for students expelled from Rapides Parish schools.
The Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students currently uses the campus across from Phoenix, but will move to Aiken's current site on Mason Street in Alexandria.
Authement said the plan approved will "provide continuity for all of our students who are enrolled at Phoenix."
Current Aiken Principal Jennifer Scott will be principal of Rapides Academy. The only additional cost budgeted by the district for staffing the middle magnet program is $15,000, which will be used to convert an Aiken teacher position to an assistant principal position.
A total cost of $134,164 is being budgeted for expenses related to moving, food services, classroom furniture and technology. The board's previously approved allotment of 1,615 teachers will allow four new teachers to be hired.
Board members John Allen, Sandra Franklin and Stephen Chapman voted against the magnet proposal. Allen and Franklin have been vocal about their reasons why, including on Tuesday.
Franklin voiced concerns about the program being exclusive. Allen said the district is "catering" to parents who would rather choose options other than public school and that money would be better spent in failing schools.
Authement said the district has poured "millions" of dollars into failing schools. Spending a few hundred thousand "on our high-achieving students is very well-justified," he added.
Phoenix Principal John Grimes emphasized the "opportunity" offered by Phoenix to all students in Rapides. Although Phoenix is at capacity, Grimes said the school hasn't had a waiting list in about five years or had to turn away any student who qualified for the program.
Students eligible for the academic magnet program must have a 2.5 GPA and score basic or above on state assessments.
Grimes said the PreK-5 school will be able to accommodate more elementary students with older students moving across the street.
The new middle school magnet is expected to serve about 85 students in each grade. Rapides Parish families can submit magnet, preschool and open enrollment applications in February.