Should our suburbs form their own school systems? How might this help or hurt the community at large?

I live in Bartlett. My youngest attends Oak Elementary. My oldest attends Bartlett High. The answer to this week’s question, therefore, affects me deeply.

At issue is not whether the suburbs have the right to form their own school systems. That’s an easy answer. Did the city of Memphis have the right to surrender its charter? Of course. Do the suburban cities have the right to form independent schools? Absolutely. The concern is not “Do the suburbs have the right to do this?” but “Should the suburbs do this?”

As a father, I am frustrated. I was not given a voice in Memphis’ decision to surrender its charter. That decision, however, directly impacted the schools which Bartlett children like mine attend. These children are being asked to live with the consequences (good or bad) of a resolution from which their guardians and parents were excluded. I am thankful to know that I and others like me will be included in Bartlett’s discussion about the future of its children.  And there may indeed be advantages to Bartlett approving an independent school system.

My commitment as a Christian leads me to urge that, whatever is done now, it be done for the sake of the children—all the children. The Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament demand that I (and we) speak up for those who cannot speak—the children. Though my home is in Bartlett, my church office is in Memphis. My calling is to serve all the people of metro-Memphis, especially the children. Ultimately, I’d urge us all to work together to find ways of blessing both suburban and urban children.

If suburbs like Bartlett move forward with plans to form independent schools, my prayer is that there might be increased dialogue between all school districts—exchanging best practices, investing in shared training, applauding each other’s successes, and enjoying a lunch together now and then. Greater independence does not have to mean greater isolation. Regardless of how many school districts there are, this can become a new era of common vision, deeper relationships, and greater harmony.