Earlier this month, I recommended that Escambia Children’s Trust target the pockets of poverty for its funds. School Board member Kevin Adams shared on WCOA that he’s concerned about the county’s lowest-performing schools, especially if they lose their navigators.
The schools struggling academically serve the pockets of poverty – those census tracts with the lowest household incomes.
School grades are based on the percentage of possible points. An “F” is 31% or lower, and a “D” ranges from 32% to 40%.
O.J. Semmes Elementary earned 31% and got an “F.” It’s in the 32503 ZIP Code.
In the 32505 ZIP, we have three “D” schools—Oakcrest Elementary 32%, Global Learning Academy 37% and Montclair Elementary 38%.
The 32526 ZIP also has a cluster of three “D” schools—Bellview Elementary 32%, Bellview Middle 37% and Pine Forest High 39%.
In the 32506 ZIP, we have two “D” schools—Myrtle Grove Elementary 32% and Sherwood Elementary 34%.
The 32514 ZIP has one “D”—Ensley Elementary 36%, and 32507 ZIP has Warrington Middle 37%.
Here are a few that barely escaped a “D:”
Warrington Elementary 42% – 32507
Workman Elementary 42% – 32504
Holm Elementary 41% – 32504
The Escambia Children’s Trust should issue RFP’s for programs in these neighborhoods. Instead of funding grants that include purchasing buses and other transportation expenses, the Trust should require providers to set up in the neighborhoods or the schools serving them.
Go where the need exists. That’s where any pilot programs should be implemented.