When the Waco Independent School District wants to pass a bond issue, as it did this year, it is quick to enlist the community, including those of us residing east of the Brazos River.

Otherwise, depending on where one lives, things can get lonely.

For instance, the district invited people of East Waco to discuss the site location and the naming of the new elementary school, but only after vigorous complaints to the school board president at the local meetings hosted at the campuses of J. H. Hines and Doris Miller elementaries.

During the bond issue campaign, many questioned the district regarding the future of the G. L. Wiley Middle School campus. They were assured that its closure was not on the district’s radar.

The recent stunning decision by trustees to close G.L. Wiley came as a shocking betrayal.

I’m sure the greater Waco community is aware of the statement issued by state Education Commissioner Robert Scott in June:

“... Given the high levels of performance achieved by the Wiley students ... and given the focused nature of the needed improvements ...” he was waiving alternative management recommendations.

Yet, our trustees in all of their wisdom decided that closure of G. L. Wiley was the “best” option. My question: best for whom? Not for the students, families, and community members affected.

When trustees were contemplating consolidating Meadowbrook and Kendrick elementaries, they listened and were receptive to the 30 or so parents, students, and community members who went to the “table” (board meeting) and expressed their displeasure.

Trustees responded with empathy and concern, and the proposal was dropped.

These same trustees should have respected the wishes of the over 200 parents, students, staff and community members who came to the “table” to support keeping G. L. Wiley open.

It is patently unfair to close G. L. Wiley just two weeks prior to school starting — to cause such anxiety, anger and disappointment throughout the community.

So, why were the trustees willing to listen to some parents regarding the futures of Meadowbrooks and Kendrick Elementary, yet they took a totally different and arrogant approach to the concerns of the G. L. Wiley parents and community members concerns?

Look at the academic progress achieved by students at G. L. Wiley, in the midst of so many administrative and faculty changes. Admit that remarkable deeds have been done there.

I grew up in this town with the reality of the Brazos River as a divide in terms of sparse economic development, limited home ownership opportunities (red-lining), and lack of employment opportunities.

That was accompanied by diminished academic opportunities because of neighborhood schools being shut down.

The high school I attended, G.W. Carver, is now a WISD magnet middle school.

When schools were closed, the burden of students being bused always fell on the community east of the river, and with very limited sharing of that burden by the greater community.

So, for some of us, it is not a perception or perspective but a reality that certain decisions can be made which impact our community negatively without genuine input from us.

To discount what parents, students and others stated at the recent trustees meeting regarding G. L. Wiley was extremely insulting.

To paint a picture that parents and community members aren’t involved or supportive to the students is untrue as well.

Any campus could improve with more parental involvement. But G. L. Wiley’s improving scores on TAKS are a testament to students’ efforts, parental support and the staff’s commitment, along with community support.

Historians make a point of reminding us as a society that if we do not remember our past we are bound to repeat similar mistakes.

When you shut down schools you impact the whole community academically, economically and culturally.

The WISD trustees should reconsider their appalling vote and create a plan of action which is sensitive to the needs of the G. L. Wiley students and reflective of the great progress made in the 2007-2008 school year.

Let’s assume that the campus’ educational achievements can only get better rather than assuming the worst.

Trustees, you have the right and you have the authority to reconsider your appalling decision. Just go back to the “table” (board meeting) and do the right thing for WISD and the G. L. Wiley campus.

Jean Laster is Precinct 7 justice of the peace.