Residents Speak Out on Possible A.D. Harris Closure

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Posted: 10:13 AM Jun 18, 2008
Last Updated: 3:56 PM Jun 18, 2008
Reporter: Josh Gauntt
Email Address: joshua.gauntt@wjhg.com

2 comments

Rainbow Push Coalition

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Bay District School Superintendent James McCalister spoke before a huge turnout, hosted by the Panama City Rainbow Push Coalition.

Bay District Schools has to cut $16.4 million from its budget, and McCalister has proposing possibly closing down the historic A.D. Harris Alternative High School.

Many residents and students of the school spoke out and want Superintendent McCallister to reconsider.

"As a representative of this community, this area, I have to stand with you to try to keep A.D. Harris Open," Jonathan Wilson, a Panama City Commissioner, said.

"It always filled a need that school and that's the spirit of A.D. Harris," Blondelle McGowan, daughter of A.D. Harris, said.

"We have a planned program where we are going to make certain that every student is also going to be taught by a highly qualified teacher. It may not be in the same place they were last year," James McCalister, Bay District Schools Superintendent, said.

A vote on the possible closure of A.D. Harris will be July 14th. If the school closes, those students will attend Haney High School.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Mickie Location: Panama City on Jun 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I have had about enough of Mr. McAlister's "God Complex". Since when do elected personnel not answer to those who have elected them into office with the expectation that person will have their best interest at heart!! If Mr. McAlister continues to "rule" without considering anyone else's input, he may have something else to worry about in the upcoming election.

Posted by: Leo Location: Panama City on Jun 18, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Why can't McCalister hear what the public is saying about his proposals? There are other options. These proposals do not have the students or communities as a priority. They are an easy fix for problems created by this Supt. and Bd. overspending their budget.

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