Metro no longer valued by administration

One of the “prize” education programs in Cedar Rapids, Metro Alternative High School, appears to be no longer valued by the administration. The very heart of the programing is being ripped away. Valued, long-term staff, who focus on the “social emotional” needs of the students are being summarily transferred and informed by letter. Entrepreneurial programs, admired by educators throughout the state and by local Rotary clubs that have “adopted” Metro, are being eliminated.

This community has been served incredibly well by having a unique school dedicated to assist students who benefit from individualized programing. Metro has adapted over the years in order to help every student discover their particular talents and develop and fulfill goals for their future. The school came into existence specifically for these reasons. In addition, it has always been a testing ground for programing that is often implemented in other schools.

This administration must look carefully at what the results of their actions will mean to this community. By chipping away at the mission of this special school, they are saying that these students don't count, and are not important enough to assure that such a dedicated, caring, and effective school continues. It will soon be too late to save a school and a program that does exactly what is now being touted nationally for solving the problems of unmotivated students and high dropout rates that plague other communities.

Bonnie Sovern

Retired Metro Teacher

Cedar Rapids