HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Representatives of the Northwest Cluster of PTAs fired back at County Commissioner Bob Harrison and City Councilman Richard Showers on Monday, saying their recent comments about education are “counterproductive.”
They said the comments work against the educational progress being made in the Huntsville district, and a hindrance to students’ growth.
In the statement, Vikki Hollingsworth Moore, President of the Johnson PTSA, said she is grateful to Dr. Wardynski for the new staff he has put in place at the school.
“Dr. Wardynski has done an incredible job improving schools in north Huntsville,” Hollingsworth Moore wrote. “The new principal, Eric Jones, and his team have made my daughter’s first year at the school effortless. The teachers are amazing and they all get an A+,” Moore stated.
Chaundra Jones, PTA member, spoke on not being represented by a boisterous minority.
“A small group of disgruntled citizens and a couple of elected officials do not reflect the opinion of the entire community. Their methods are negative and do not propel our students for a successful future,” said Jones.
PTSA member Raynard Jones added, “Apparently some people are unwilling to follow the new vision for our schools. It is frustrating that some choose history over progress. I applaud Dr. Wardynski and the board for having the courage to stand for our children in the face of the negative attacks leveled by people that represent a small fraction of North Huntsville residents. I’m a proud parent of honor students in the Northwest, and I am thankful to the board and Dr. Wardynski for the tireless job they have done. Tough decisions had to be made, but the students in our district are blessed to have a board and Superintendent that put our children first.”
Carlos Mathews, president of the Northwest Cluster of PTAs, stated, “I requested information from Dr. Wardynski and the School Board regarding some important issues. The response was both factual and contained solutions. More importantly it was done in person, not in a media outlet. I was never met with arrogance or disrespect. What the community received in return for this advocacy was a change to the No Fight Policy (which eliminated zero tolerance), a higher academic standard for Huntsville City School student athletes, a decrease in unnecessary arrest of students, and school-system-level control over educator transfers. To Dr. Wardynski and the School Board I say job well done.”
County Commissioner Bob Harrison made the statements last Wednesday, March 12. Harrison blasted Dr. Wardynski and the school board, saying he has been “disrespected.” He said the community and elected officials have been excluded from the school rezoning debate.
Councilman Richard Showers made similar comments at the Huntsville City Council meeting on Thursday, March 13.