The principal of Maplewood Elementary School has been told by Cary Elementary District 26 officials to arrive at next month’s school board meeting with a presentation explaining the “learning communities” concept slated to begin this fall.
Board President Fran Roll gave the instructions to Principal Kevin O’Connor Monday night after parents read letters expressing reservations over how younger pupils will fare in the new program, which is intended to mix Maplewood’s 1st through 6th-graders on the playground and in the lunchroom.
“This whole learning community thing has turned the year into complete turmoil,” said Mary Hampel, mother of a 2nd grader. “We don’t have a thing to back it for us . . . so why the rush?”
Some parents told Roll and Supt. Timothy Kelly they are skeptical about the lack of solid information they have received on the effects of the program.
“Your concerns are not falling on deaf ears,” Roll said, then told O’Connor he should be ready to discuss the program when the board meets on Sept. 14. The board’s response was a departure from the past when it refused to interfere in the issue.
