FRIDAY. APRIL 29. 2005 1 ' ! LR board votes to cut athletics for 6th-graders ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Citing safety and academic concerns. Little Rock School Board members voted 7-0 Thursday to discontinue organized athletics and pep club for sixth-graders in the districts eight middle schools. District administrators had recommended the elimination of the sixth-grade activities earlier this month because the sports are typically coached
by district employees such as security guards, custodians or teachers who dont hold state coaching credentials. The lack of any required certification or standardized training for the sixth-grade coaches raised administrative I concerns about the districts liability in the case of student injuries. Additionally. Superintendent Roy Brooks and his staff said the elimination of the activities would enable greater attention to be paid to academics by the sixth-graders who are making a big transition out of elementary school into middle school. All eight middle schools are on the states list of schools in need of improvement because of a history of low test scores earned by one or more subpopulations of students in the schools. Discontinuing the activities is expected to save the district about $80,000 in stipends for the coaches and in the costs of transporting students to and from games. In no way does this suggest that we dont support athletics." Brooks told the School Board on Thursday. Several board members urged that alternative afterschool activities or intramural sports be developed to replace the sixth-grade athletics. Seventh- and eighth-grade athletic programs will continue to operate in the middle schools.Vote planned on axing 6th-grade sports Lack of certified coaches, worries about liability among concerns in LR district I ! BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Athletics and spirit clubs in Little Rocks eight middle schools are headed out of bounds to sixth-graders because of a lack of certified coaches, concerns about liability in case of student injuries and the need to raise student achievement. The Little Rock School Board is scheduled to vote on I eliminating sixth-grade sports I for the 2005-06 school year at its regularly scheduled meeting April 28. The proposal would affect a few hundred students who par- I ticipate in sixth-grade football. track, volleyball and basketball, as well as Ln pep clubs. In the current 2004-05 school year, a total of 169 sixth-graders in the Little Rock School Districts eight middle schools participated in football, as did 132 in volleyball, 242 in basketball, 136 in soccer and 216 in track, according to district figures. Some students participated in multiple sports and as a result they were counted multiple times. Numbers were not available for the number of participants in sixth-grade pep clubs, which also would be discontinued, according to the proposal. If approved, the move would save the district about $80,000 a year $40,000 for stipends to the coaches and $40,000 in transportation costs for the teams. But Johnny Johnson, the districts athletic director, said Friday that cutting costs is not the driving force behind the proposal. The biggest issue with us is that sixth-grade coaches only have to be employees of the school district, Johnson said. Weve had a number of sixth-grade coaches who were not [state] certified coaches, he said. They were either custodians or security guards or teachers who just wanted to do it. From a liability standpoint and from a certification stand point, those were big issues. The Arkansas Activities Association, which regulates athletics and other interscholastic programs starting with the seventh grade, requires coaches to have a degree in physical education or what is called a coaching endorsement from the state of Arkansas. Johnson said coaches in sixth-grade programs should meet those same state credentials. Adding to the concerns, Johnson said, is the fact that all eight of the districts middle schools are on the states list of schools in need of academic improvement because of chronically low standardized test scores. Schools that remain on that state list face increasingly severe penalties. That sixth grade is a big transition year, going from elementary school to middle school, he said. We felt the sixth-grade year ought to be used to get the students on stronger acadernic footing. Johnson also said that there are numerous athletic programs in the community tor sixth-grad- ers, particularly in football and basketball, and that those programs often give the students more games in a season than what the district can do. Superintendent Roy Brooks told School Board members at an agenda meeting Thursday that he agreed with the recommendation. We feel it would be in the best interest of the district to encourage our students to participate in athletics outside of the school day, Brooks said. Board members raised no objections to the proposal. Board member Sue Strickland said she was unaware that the sixth-graders were being coached by people who are not state-certified to coach. I think its a good idea, she said about eliminating the sports program. Board member Baker Kur- rus said there were some great people who work hard in the programs, but the lack of certification made him a little nervous. Kids have some fun, but it lacks structure, he said. My son is in the seventh grade and the seventh-grade program is excellent, but in sixth grade I wished he had focused on his work. Johnson said Friday he wished circumstances were different. If we had a perfect situation where we had plenty of coaches at each school and all of our coaches were certified. Id love to have sixth-grade athletics. Right now we struggle to keep our seventh-and eighth-grade staffs properly maintained. I Wednesday, August 22, Educators: Dont snub below-C students Keep sports open, state board is urged BY KIMBERLY DISHONGH ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Educators across Arkansas asked the state Board of Education on Tuesday to reconsider its proposal to eliminate a program that allows students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities even if they dont have the required C average. The widely used program gives public school students struggling with class work a second chance to participate in nonacademic activities. About 160 of the states 310 public school districts use the program. Wiping out the supplemental instruction program would take away a strong incentive for many underachieving students to stay in school and out of trouble, school officials said during a public hearing. The program fell out of favor with several state educa- tion leaders when news reports revealed that the program lacked monitoring, which led to students not completing the required tutorials. Change it if you must, but do not eliminate it, said Gerald Fears, junior high school teacher and coordinator of the Pocahontas School Districts program. Fears and other educators said they would favor strengthening monitoring rather than disbanding the program. The Education Board is expected to make a final ruling Sept. 10. Robert Hackler of Mountain Home, chairman of the Education Board, said later Tuesday See GRADES, Page 9A Grades Continued from Page 1A that calls hes taken about the issue have been fairly evenly divided between people wanting to retain the program and those wanting a strict compliance with the C-average requirement. I have had a few calls from groups or individuals, but not a lot, and I really didnt Imow what to expect from the public comment period, Hackler said. He added that although the board voted 5-1 earlier this year to put out for public comment the plan to eliminate the supplemental instructional program, no final decision has been made by the board. There never is a final board decision until after the public comment period, he said. Earlier this year, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published stories about rule violations in the Little Rock School District athletic program. Little Rock Central Hi^s basketball team had to forfeit its AAAAA state basketball title because one player skipped several remedial classes that were part of the supplemental program. The articles also detailed how coaches knowingly played ineligible players and how the Little Rock district, the states largest, failed to report violations to the Arkansas Activities Association, the state's governing body for high school athletics. During an Aug. 13 meeting, Ed- while he understands there is po- ucation Board members ex- tential for abuse of the program, pressed concern that no one at he believes many students bene- the sate Department of Education fit from it. However, a section of was monitoring compliance. the policy that allows students to The Education Board creat- qualify for participation by scored the supplemental instruction ing at or above the 50th percentile program in 1997 to allow students on a standardized test, even if they with grade-point averages below dont maintain a 2.0 average, en- 2'0 to stay in extracurricular ac- courages laziness, Lievsay said, tivities if they take remedial class- Some students, he said, would es. The programs aim: To keep settle for lower grades and less failing students in school. The homework if they knew they students must attend the extra tu- could remain eligible by scoring toring classes. If they miss one a certain percentage on an exam, class without an excuse, they Jimmy Coats, executive direc- must be declared ineli^ble. tor of the Arkansas Activities As- Ray Kirkland, superintendent sociation, did not attend the hear- of the Barton-Lexa School Dis- ing, but he noted in a written trict, called the boards plan to statement that the suppiemen- eliminate the supplemental pro- tai program was embraced by gram a knee-jerk reaction. member schools as a way to as- It is indeed unfortunate that sist students who are struggling. The schools felt so good low the rules, Kirkland said. The about the new regulation that the Central High students did not fol- guilty parties were punished. We [association] membership vot- did the supplemental instruction ed to adopt these regulations as program right, and our students part of their bylaws for eligibiJi- should not be punished." ty, Coats wrote. To change the Representatives from the Lit- regulation now to a strict corn- tie Rock School District said they pliance 2.0 would eliminate any understand that the districts of- students, both athletic and non- fense has endangered the pro- athletic, from the opportunity gram statewide. to participate in programs that We were the ones who have proven to be effective in pro- messed up on this, said Little viding positive educational Rock School Board member Judy periences to young people. Magness. "We stood up and said Johnny Johnson, the Little we messed up, and we took our Rock School Districts new ath- punishment." letic director, said the district is ex- In response to the Little Rock working to make sure the pro- violations, the Education Board gram's rules wont be violated considered two plans, one that again. The responsibilities have would dictate more stringent been more clearly defined and monitoring of the supplemental communication between school program and one that would do staff and his office has been em- away with it. The boards 5-1 vote phasized, he said, favored eliminating the program and mandating strict compliance the program is a good one, John- with a 2.0 grade-point average for son said. "I think they make a participation in athletics or any valid point that just because one other after-school activity. district had a problem with the Fears, the Pocahontas school program is no reason to tie it official, said the program must be away from the rest of the state. saved because it keeps students in class when they might otherwise drop out. Any time a student is willing to come to 100 minutes of learning in an after-school program, that shows that learning is important to them, Fears said at a public hearing via a videoconference from the Education Department in Little Rock that linked sites at the states 15 education cooperative headquarters. Jon Watson, athletic director for the Bauxite School District, began his comment with a complaint. I think its in very bad taste that this meeting is being held on the second day of school, Watson said. Watson surmised that many of the people who might have commented couldnt because they were needed at school. Then he asked a question. If a child makes a D in math, why would you limit his success in another area? What does that do for the self-esteem that were constantly reminded to instill in our children? Dick Johnson, athletic director for the Fayetteville School District, said keeping students in school keeps them out of trouble. The reality is that playing football may not be the only game in town, he said. They will affiliate, and they a^e being lured by activities that are not as positive as those offered in public schools. Alvin Lievsay, co-principal at Huntsville High School, said that "I think everyone agrees thatO 50 ff. 09 3 ^22" TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2001 3A I cro 2. FI919 vt msS 3 o M g
CM3*a2^5ftKGMft S S s I Grades Continued from Page 1A because it would kill any hope of them ever participating, Howard said. I would say that in our quest to provide excellence that a standard must be set
however, I would want us to use good judgment as it relates to providing some medium for motivation for students in or- said. In the second semester, eight athletes and five nonathletes were in the program. Of those 13, six raised their grades to meet the eligibility requirement. I think [those students] definitely had an incentive, but I give credit to the instructors, he said. They motivate the kids and get them back on track. Jerry Welch, director of student services and athletics with the Pu- iS? 09 5' :>5 CTO st 3 >>< sr I der that theyre successful not only laski County Special School Dis- in the athletic end but the acade-............... ' c 3 B ScoSS ' 'S ?B ft ft 09 2 3i^3S- 2^r-ica.2'<ft 2.' SSsrU 2.^ -- ,, BO'ftBK 5-3'g' <2 o <s g 5: asa" oS 5^ g.a s S' a S s Slp.ggSg'S^ -s $ ft 3' ft *** B' 09 ft OwftYW - 3'<ftT09 e " 5^" < 3 EO M 09 571 09 (C ii. < ^3 "^3 ft 3- 5 G s w (A B-^ 09 &-q,52. "g.? ssg. CZi fp S 0^ 09 = s. 3 -5 SP 33
ft o oL* i faS | e 3 coS-S* (Q O O Q c 09 O 3 - 3 3,5'? 3 sr Sa o mic end. Academics is a high priority. I think we should have high academic standards, but I think you can achieve those in a variety of ways. I dont think there should be a trict, said records on students participating in remediation programs are kept at individual ?D ' '2 5^ 5 '2 o a.. 52.3*tn 09 gj- 3-X0? ff B'SO r-h " - SlS S' O 5^H2COft_'CQ,,., ^G- EXB 3.' 2. p 2-3 & S.fte^5oE^CW r fts-" Sj a." ?6 3-3 g 1 I B - ' 3,5 3 S 2 s: S 3 09 3 g." St'c o-olsffgls'sS&S 33*< WgJ13
gfto'3-33t S 3 o ft S- 09 s 3 ft 7* <.,3 5 Cl. V W lilies II bs.^s^ & 3S-S SS- 3 fl9 w-o 5 gS'3 - i-i 3 g-g-S 3'5^ Bags 1 ?s? o a 3 o 09 s. 3 fO 3 I v> to 3 a 3 =-S 0 3 C si o fO 3 w SS 2 3 S- In retrospect, that was the worst vote [ in favor death sentence, that we should say , . , . , - . if you dont achieve a 2.0 grade- <?/ strict 2.0grode-pOlUt P"f average, theres no hope for compliance] I ever made. Howard said he will speak out It did more harm tO against the proposed regulations if the opportunity arises. I think everyone is crying for an answer and an appropriate end to a serious problem, and I think all. opinions need to be heard and considered. Of course in doing that, you increase the chances of coming up with a workable solution. young people, and I dont think made any great difference academically.' ff Skip Rutherford W Q,O,C!OOS?-s'l TO I O O 2 C 3 -'(S' S. 5'Q3.s.
^'g.'B-S5.e j -t c 3,?. _ srS 3 S.Q'K 5 =io (A c o a ,S o o u fO 09 o - Pl c-. schools. However, he said, most of , those students pull up their grades Skip Rutherford, who served on after the first semester. a committee to investigate grade- "If the supplemental instnic- questions about athlete tion program is carried out to the eligibility in Little Rock schools, letter, the way its supposed to be said he cast a vote in favor of strict then I think it serves a purpose 2.0 grade-point compliance while Welch said. he was on the Little Rock School Kids grades improve. Most of Board in the late 1980s and early the time, kids dont not make good 19^. grades because theyre not smart In retrospect, that was the enough. Ifyou make sure that kids worst vote I ever made, Ruther- go to class every time theyre supford said, adding the Little Rock posed to, do their work when board made the decision in a rush theyre supposed to, they do bet- to achieve higher standards. It ter. did more harm to young people, Mark Rush, boys baseball and and I dont think made any great basketball head coach and athlet- difference academically.... ic director in Concord (Cleburne Some people dont get it to- County), said the problem is tough gether until later in life, and some to call. ro 2. a a wi l 3 cr. Sic W* C M S 5 3 o (0 ft O'. 2.CB CD _o3:g o M'S ct." .. CZ3 S' a $ S' o-TO iv S.'S & e = 3 3 S -s:|gR2>gs 5. 2 s. I ci.'^ 2 e- 9 3 ft o Ci fD Mark Rush, boys baseball and ^^5- ?53 3 <5 > & -3,. S-' 'p as-p* 09 3 ft *3 sr w en t s
o 3 3"g r3 'a Q- S S. 3- a pj O' n> 5S 5'sr2?'3'ft ^'^ft^ft P- a KOI iBhflhll I a!?3l0Kr.h:li.rK| Ss peoples families make it difficult I can see both ends of the for them to study when they go spectrum, Rush said. I can see 2? ~ honie lives make it where athletes and all extra-cur- difficult in itself. Athletics for ricular participants should be many young people are the only passing. A 2.0 a C average is way out of a difficult situation. not a whole lot to ask for. .. Suellen Vann, spokesman for u. muse the Little Rock district, said the people are not going to meet those number of students participating requirements. Thats just a fact, in supplemental instruction was And I hate to see those kids fall not immediately available. through the cracks because athlet- Gregg Thompson, principal at ics, in some cases, are all thats North Little Rock-West Campus, keeping those kids in school. I said 26 juniors and seniors there hate to think what might happen if participated in supplemental in- that was the case. struction. ___________________________ But you know some of those o ora - fc-1 _ S'- s.^ sf sag's.a Sil SB." Hl? "!? aD.S.3S3 9 3* S. S. o 3 ,5.^ I O' 09 'O n g 09 09 1-^3 go.>, -I ll'o .SrS. 3 rs n s w M S >TO <o C-.O, S' o o'o o S' C B O 3 g 1 U U CA 3 I'S jg. g'i's si 3 > !.?o' o! I & S? S 5j w 'P B Q. a I think its real important to note that 10 were participating in athletic activities and 16 in nonathletic activities, like band, speech and drama, choir, Thompson said. Nineteen of those students raised their grade-point averages to 2.0 or better in first semester, herAoc. 01/ 01 810 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 For Immediate Release June 28,2001 For more information: Suellen Vann, 324-2020 Little Rock School District Hires Athletic Director Johnny Johnson, Assistant Athletic Director and Mens BasketbaU Coach at the University of the Ozarks, will become the new Athletic Director for the Little Rock School District (LRSD). Tonight the LRSD Board of Directors hired Johnson after a committee interviewed applicants and recommended Johnson to Superintendent Ken James. I am pleased that Johnny Johnson has agreed to serve as Athletic Director and feel that he will provide strong administrative leadership to our athletic program, James said. Coach Johnson is well respected and will work closely with our coaches and principals to improve our sports programs. Johnson holds a Masters degree in Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Bachelors degree in Administration from the University of Arkansas. Johnson has served as head basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks since 1990, with an overall coaching record of 173 wins and 126 losses. During that period his graduation rate for senior basketball players is 80%. Johnson previously coached at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has earned several coaching honors and has been active for several years in the Special Olympics program June 12, 2 0 0 1 Wood quick study on, off playing field BY ROBERT YATES ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Perhaps the best illustration of Jason Woods athletic and academic resume is that Air Force tried to recruit the former Sheridan football standout. Former Yellowjackets football Coach Billy Dawson wasnt surprised. It was Woods combination of talent and wits that made him one of the states top players as a senior and attractive to a service academy. What made him a great football player tied straight into academics, said Dawson, who left Sheridan earlier this spring to become coach at Monroe (La.) Neville. Hes very intelligent Hes one of those guys, from a coachs standpoint, that once you told him one time it was done. Hes one of those kids you coach that hes special in the fact that he has a broad knowledge of the game. Hes a coach on the field. Wood, the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette's Male Academic Athlete of the Year, helped Sheridan to its first playoff berth in the states largest classification last fall with o 03 CO O .> 03 ra G a G G O o o 52 IS bS E SP 00 G G 3 G e* 5.5.5 a3 43j- flT zi co <" t:' -H 4=eM M 0^ . cn Wl co 03 <1. 3 C- d =3 J2 G o x: '"* 52 <13 O) " ' OJ G "* o 03 03 G 3 C >>43 5 5*4= 0.^5 33 G ,Wc: 03 O a co a G 03 G e: G G os "S >>. ** g 2 < -2 O K. G u. to G - C fc- o oo!r- IS' 03 G 43 3 rt O U, W co (4 o o o a monstrous numbers at wide receiver. Wood, 5-10, 180 pounds, earned All-Arkansas honors with a singleseason school record 74 receptions for 1,373 yards and 8 touchdowns. He rushed 7 times for 36 yards, returned 24 kickoffs for 532 yards, returned 11 punts for 180 yards and 1 touchdown and started at safety. At the same time. Wood scored 25 on the ACT and maintained a 3.91 grade-point average, graduating seventh in his class. Hes really a great kid, said Athletic Director Don Sharpe, Sheridans former football coach. Ive never heard anybody ever say anything bad about him at this school. A National Honor Society member, Wood also impacted the basketball and baseball programs. See WOOD, Page 3C Early rise has Gunn well, wise BY ROBERT YATES ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Late-night stu(J^3essions arent the norm around the Gunn household. Instead, oldest daughter Tiffany can be found hitting the books about the time the morning paper hits the front porch. Its an academic approach her father, David, used as a studentathlete at Arkansas in the mid- 1980s. It's an academic approach his daughter has grasped exceptionally well. On the heels of a record-setting spring in the hurdles, Tiffany Gunn, the Arlcansas Democrat- Gazettes Female Academic Athletic of the Year for a second consecutive time, scored 24 on the ACT and graduated from Little Rock McClellan with a 4.25 grade-point average. Im an early bird, said David 043 E 'O to a J
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3 Arkansas in 1987 with a degree in physical education/biological science after lettering at defensive back. Theres a lot of mornings where getting up at 4 oclock is no big deal for me. I can go to bed at 11, midnight and get back up at 4 a.m. Thats the way I studied in college. Thats one of the things I tried to instill in Tiffany. Youre in athletics, you come in a lot of times tired following a,very long day and arent as fresh and sharp as you need to be. After dinner, go to bed and get up early in the morning. Very early. Gunn said that if his daughter is still in bed at 5 a.m., then somethings wrong. Whats the old Army saying? David Gunn said. "They do more before, what, 6 a.m., than most people do in the entire day. That may be true of Tiffany. In addition to being valedictorian, Tiffany Gunn was National Honor Society president, a Student Council representative and president of Future Business Leaders See GUNN, Page 3C C St3 S LS fD tS-S <D -O cc -S C0 I kJ cu <zi > < O "a 2 C S 8 r .s O 03 3 O X o G 3 W G43 4*J to_"0 . G^ O OflO ^OO S 'rt :"! G G n co to 2 c-- .<9* 15 "^-S 5 o .2 23, fe - s)Sffi g gs g'S s s Ja'g." .S S S 03 O Th ! G 03 0> co 43 C CO o gS^:^ 4) T-I e tn ?=! M e-S 8 o O O c tu) o 2 r- CJ -UA G tn . ^.S g 03 .ssg='55saS> c 5 I- G 2 SgS gtLo<lJva 3 03 cBXI to 4) U o>2
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C3 03 so- 03 O s < o c .2 .. o C 03 O .W C o <4 54^ 2 G co G co S 8- S O co jO h co 2 G 3 S 4G O' 2 = 03 O 4) .ts -n n 43 I G *4 S XJ co O 5 a >? G E tn G <13 G 03 o 03 G C G U. 3 O .*-> Q3 ? S 61 4= 4> 3 G M to S .G 03 -r i3 to co -x t- co_ t- G 03 -S ZG 03 'G ."2 c S = -H 33 03 co a) B I oS'Sl .-sS I-Ei Ill's B'S o - s 5? to c 3 co .. = ^'S o a " 3 0) > 5 o * ^2^-Sg Is-2 2^ E 03 =^3! 43 G iZ co 5 G 03 > o5013744187 WALKER LAW FIRM 283 P02 SEP 12 00 15:32 John w. Walker, p.a. Attorney At Law 1723 Broadway Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 Telephone (601) 374-3758 FAX (501) 374-4187 JOHN W. WALKER RALPH WASHINGTON MARK BURNETTE SHAWN CHILDS Via Facsimile September 12, 2000 Dr. Leslie Gamine Superintendent of Schools Little Rock School District 810 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Dr. Gamine: I am writing on behalf of Marcus Winston, a 9"' grade student at Parkview High School and similarly situated students in the Little Rock District. Would you please direct my attention to the section of the Districts student handbook which states that 9* grade students cannot participate in varsity team athletics. It is my understanding that the practice of the District in previous years has been to allow these students to participate on varsity teams. By copy of this letter to Mr. James Washington, I am also requesting that he investigate this matter. I recommend that he identify all 9* grade students at the senior high level to determine the number, race and gender of the students who are being adversely affected by unwritten directive. As I review the Districts desegregation plan, I note in Section 2.6 of that plan that the District shall implement programs, policies and/or procedures designed to promote participation and to ensure that there are no barriers to panicipation by qualified African Americans in extracurricular activities.... Tt appears that the Districts refusal to allow 9* grade students to participate in athletics at the varsity level is contrary to plan commitments. This new practice is neither promoting nor ensuring participation. Prior to invoking the process regarding compliance issues, I ask that Mr. Washington provide to this office a report of his preliminaiy findings by September 20, 2000. Thank you for your attention to this matter.5013744187 WALKER LAW FIRM 283 P03 SEP 12 00 15:32 linccrelvf Joy C. Sprin^r H On Behalf of Joshua Intervenors JCS/ cc: Mr. James Washington, Ombudsman Mr. Junious Babbs, Associate Superintendent Mr. Ray Gillespie. Althletic Director Ms. Ann Brown5013744187 WALKER LAW FIRM 283 P01 SEP 12 00 15:32 I JOHN W. walker, P.A. 1723 Broadway , Lictle Rock,. AR 72206 501.374-3753 Fix: 501-374-4137 FAX COVER SHEET FAX WMBER TRA^S^HTTED TO To: L J Of. I From
J JOHN w. Walker, p.a. Client/Maner
L J Date
j . DOCUMENTS i number of Pages* . COMMENTS
Original ( ] will ( ) wiHNOT follow. t kArkansas Democrat '^(Oazeltv | WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, Schools to offer examinations for athletics - ARKANSAS DEMOCR-AT-G.AZETTE ?the Little Rock School Districts health services office will offer physical examinations for students planning to participate in football, basketball and volleyball during the 1997-98 school year. ' School district policy requires that each student athlete undergo a physical examination before participating in any sports activity, including athletic practice sessions.
Parents are asked to contact their childrens schools beginning Monday to get a parental consent form. Coaches must be present during examinations. l^ludents may receive exams from a private physician or at Arkansas Childrens Hospital under the following schedule: Wednesday, July 23. Mann Magnet Junior High School students, 5:30 p.m. Cloverdale Junior High, 6 p.m. McClellan High School, football 'and basketball students only, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24. Henderson Junior High. 5:30 p.m. Southwest Junior High, 6ji.m. Forest Heights Junior High. 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, Dunbar Junior High, 5:30 p.m. Mabelvale Junior High, 6 p.m. Pulaski Heights Junior High, 6:30 p.m. Make-up days are: Monday, Aug. 25, Mann and Cloverdale, 5:30 p.m. Henderson and Mabelvale, 6 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 27, Southwest and Forest Heights, 5:30 p.m. Dunbar and Pulaski Heights, 6:30 p.m. Physical exams for football and basketball participants have been held for Fair, Hall, Parkview and Central High schools. Volleyball participants at the high school level may have their examinations performed on Aug. 14 at Bowen Hefley Knee & Sports Medicine Clinic, 5 St Vincent Circle, Blandford Building, Suite 100, as follows: Hall and Parkview, 5:30 p.m. Central and Fair, 5:50 p.m. McClellan, 6:10 p.m. 12 96 10:48 !2l 002 003 l- : 1 "V 1 . i'. '
- i July 12,1996 301 324 2023 LRSD COMMl?vICATI ODM LimE Rock School District LRSD Coach Takes State Team to Belgium for more information: Suellen Vann, 324-2020 1 tI I I The Central High School girls basketball coach will travel to Belgium later this month. Michael Green will accompany a team of eleven senior high girls to compete in an international basketball tournament from July 31 through August 8. Green, who also serves as head coach of Centrals girls track team and assistant boys basketball coach, was selected to serve as coach for the Arkansas team comprised of 10 Arkansas high school girls and one from Oklahoma. Green also teaches health and physical education at Henderson Health Science Magnet Junior High School. The games are sponsored by Sports Challenge International, Incorporated. The next team practices prior to their departure for Belgium will be at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., July 27, at Central High School. 810 West Markham Street UtUe Rock. Arkansas 78301 (501)834-3000 lU. k/WWV W W J* W .W A . I ti.1 \, v, a 1 J ffcPSl * 12-96 10:50 LRSD COMIIVNICATI OHM 003 1103 i 501 324 2023 Little Rock School District LRSn Bus Drivers to Drive Olympic Game Participants I : July 12,1996 For more information: Suellen Vann, 324-2020 Twenty Laidlaw bus drivers leave Little Rock Sunday, July 14, to travel to Atlanta for the Olympic Games, but they wont be there as competitors or spectators. The drivers have been invited to serve as coach bus drivers for the Olympic Games Committee. Laidlaw selected about 100 drivers from Memphis and 20 from Little Rock to provide this service at the Olympic Games. 810 West Markham Street Little Rock. Arkansas 78S01 <501)324-2000 j Arkansas Democrat (gazette | SATURDAY. APRIL 20, 1996 Girl pops up in lineup after lawsuit Ajji^nsas Democral-Gazetle/BENJAMIN KRAIN Claiming sex discrimination, mom says damage is done BY CHRIS REINOLDS Democrat-Gazette Stalf Wiitei No. 34 played the second game of a doubleheader Friday between Parkview and Arkadelphia. That gave the second baseman two starts in the Parkview Patriots six games since Tuesday the day she filed suit against the teams head coach and the Little Rock School District alleging se.x discrimination. Christi Jackson, 17, says that coach Terry Daniell limits her playing time because she is a girl. This season Jackson has been played in only two of the 12 Class AAAA conference games since Qlisti Jadson, who started for Parkview t-h-e-- -s--e-a--s-o--n started in March. In High Schools baseball team last year, both gmes, ^he todn t go m m si,,ts on.. .___I__k. _______ fho lucf iTinina Twn or tnS 2Hni6S cnoois uai>euail icaiii icuai yvai, --------- - T. the bench during a game Friday the last inning. Two of toe games a^nst Ariodetphia a position she she sat out were played the day contends shes in far too often. the suit was filed. When the suit was filed, she had played in 56 of the teams 224 innings and had made stx errors. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court says Jackson, identified only as Jane Doe, was recruited to play second base on the baseball team for the 1995 season. She played for both varsity and junior varsity teams. Before the 1995 season. Jack-son starred at pitcher and right field for the Blazers, a girls independent softball team that has won three state championships and played in national and world competitions, Robert Clark, then Parkview's head coach, recruited Jackson last year. Neither Clark nor Daniell would comment on the lawsuit Last year the kids had fun, her mother said. "They played baseball and they were a team. This is not a team. On Wednesday, the day after the suit was filed, Jackson started the game. Friday night she started the second game of a doubleheader. Neither contest was a conference game. According to the lawsuit when Jackson and other female students who attended a meeting for prospective baseball players, Daniell encouraged them to find a faculty sponsor and form a girls softball team. The suit cited federal Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX requires schools that receive federal money to equalize sports opportunities for men and women. Kathryn Gunzelman. advocacy See JACKSON, Page 5B Jacksori" Continued from Page 1B Tm just tired of not playing. All my coordinator for the Wonien s feammateS knOW I CUn Sports Foundation in Uniondale, . , N.Y., said Jackson will probably play better and I m tired win her lawsuit , of being treated Unfairly. going to ride the pine. One teammates parent, asking not to be named, viewed the discrimination lawsuit as legitimate. Were not the worlds greatest baseball team, but we have Gunzelmans nonprofit educa-tional organization was founded in 1994 to promote and enhance sports and fitness for women. Barbara Jackson said its been a horrible season for her daughter. Daniell has told Jackson that she wasnt ready and her timing is off, her mother said, Christi did everything in her power , but it wasnt good enough, Barbara Jackson said, She didnt want to play baseball last year and now she is wanting to play and this guy wont let her. good players and Christi is one of them, the parent said. Its un, II lfoonrtuunnaatiee tuhiaati tuhiec uLnitntlce uRuocvk. My self-esteem has really school District doesnt offer soft-been shot. ball. But the parent said not every- - Christi Jackson one supports Jackson. _____________ Larry Sipes, whose son Clay plays shortstop, doesnt think the arship offers from Oklahoma City Jacksons should sue. University and William Woods It was absolutely not neces- College in Fulton, Mo. sary. Its a bunch of baloney, I dont want this to happen to gipes said at the game Friday. any girl in any high school. Bar- Sipes said Jackson is good bara Jackson said. I want him to enough to be on the team, but know can't run or bat very well. Barknow what hes done and never Shes going to get to play now, but the damage has already been done, her mother said, He knew what he was doing. Hes made her life miserable and boys. ninvinv destroyed her self-confidence. I tn just tired of not playing. do it again. She can field well and she's Her daughter, who is growing got a good arm, he said, But the tired of the media attention be- other player (who plays second cause of the lawsuit, said she just base) is better. Theyre making it wants to play as much as the She could have gotten so much more offers. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has offered her a scholarship to play on the mens baseball team. Jackson said. She is also considering softball schol- Christi Jackson said. All my teammates know I can play bet-a girl-guy thing. Sipes said the team is still new, and he worries that the lawsuit will cause the coach to quit and destroy Parkviews fledgling ter and Im tired of being treated baseball program. unfairly. My self-esteem has real- He said the teams budget is ly been shot. $3,000, and there s not enough Most games, she wonders why money to also support a girls she should show up if shes just softball team. Letters FRIDAY, MAY 6.1994 Dont eliminate the coaches stipends The Little Rock School District is in a |7----------- . xuc xjiiue nocK acnooi District is in a financial quagmire due to the districts decade-long fight against the federal courts and the millions of dollars lost in the battle. Now the district is contem- ' plating elimination of coaches stipends which would ultimately result in the elimination of high school athletics in the district. This is ridiculous It needs to be recognized by the community that at the time many area athletic programs declined, gang activity grew into a community epidemic Few have recognized this parallel of trends. Coaches in this district... have chosen their profession out of love for the i games and for working with kids. We ' eliminate these stipends and we eliminate these coaches. Many will ultimately find work outside of teaching attempting to regain wages lost. As a substitute teacher in the Little Rock schools, I rarely filled in for coaches, they were always there. I cannot say the same for regular classroom teach- : er I always had work. These men ' and women are dedicated to our chil- i dren and are the few positive role mod- i els many students have. ( Our community should be concerned ! for the status of these coaches and their J?h. Lamar Cole and the Arkansas Activities Association should fight this proposal. Jim Lynch (if he really cares) should fight this idea. Anyone who feels that athletics is better than gang banging should fight this idea. Athletics is school pride, individual pride and ultimately improved civic pride. MARK HOOPER Little Rock^07/19/95 10:36 501 324 2023 IJ^Sn COMMCNlCATf OD)I @002/005 :i 'i4r<4.x '* Little Rock Schooi 1 TRIC'I r' L L News Release I r Athletic Program Physicals Scheduled for Senior High School Students I I Jelly 19,1995 For more information
Dina Teague, 324-2020 I I LITTLE ROCK ~ Senior high school students in the Little Rock School District (LRSD) who plan to participate in extra-curricular athletic programs this fall may take advantage of a limited number of physical examinations that will be provided tree of charge. All students must have <a physical examination before p^ticipating in athletic programs. Students who do not take advantage of the LRSD provided physicals may see a private physician for these examinations, but should obtain the appropriate forms from an LRSD high school for their physician to complete. Physicals for McClellan High School football and volleyball team members will be administered at the Arkansas Children's Hospital on July 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. After school begins, all physicals for McClellan will be given at the McClellan Wellness Clinic. Students may contact the school nurse to make an appointment. ! J. A. Fair High School, Hall High School, and Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School students who are interested in participating in football, volleyball, or basketball will be tested on July 27 at the l ittle Rock Orthopedic Clinic which is located at 13100 Chenal Parkway. Students should contact their schools for. I specific times and locations. (more) ( 810 West Markham Street Llttle'Rock, Arkansas 72301 (501)324-3000 SSffi35^5SlK^K5S?^3BhfcMnat3.6 07/19/95 10:37 501 324 2023 LRSD COMMI?.'ICAT1 ODM 003/005 LiRSD High School Athletic Physicals July 19,1995 Page two of two 1 Centrai High School football and volleyball team members may contact the liittle Rick Central High Wellness Clinic after school begins on August 21 to schedule an appointment for a physical examination. j Physicals for spring sports and spirit groups will be provided by the Little Kock Sports Medicine Clinic. Dates and times will be posted in schools later in the school year. I' 1 ## r.?l- 'V: . .1' 1 ! jE / - lyy, J. fe' 1- I 9^' * SL' ' I I I I . I { r t I I 4 i Add,.i 5!" I .v f < 07/19/9.5 1 I 'I i I I I I I' 10:37 ODM 004/005 July 19,1995 { 50l 324 2023 l.RSD COMllCMCATI a k. J Little Rock School District News Release LRSD Provides Physicals for junior High Athletic Programs For more information
Dina Teague, 324-2020 Lm LE ROCK The Little Rock School District (LRSD) will provide a limited number of physical examinations for junior high school students interested in participating in extra-curricular sports programs during the 1995-96 school year. These physicals will be administered at the Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH), and LRSD coaches tvili be present. AU athletes must have a physical examination before participating in athletic Students who do not take advantage of the LRSD provided physicals may see a private physician for these examinations, but should obtain the appropriate forms from an LRSD jumor high school for their physician to complete. j ACH requires that students provide a permission form signed by a parent guardian before an examination is administered. These forms are currently available at all LRSD junior high schools. or I Physicals for fall sports will be administered at ACH during the week of August 1 through 4 and are limited to 25 students per school. An additional round of physicals, also limited to 25 per school, will be administered on August 24. I I I (more) 810 West Markham Street Little Rdck, .Vrkaasas 72201 (501)824-2000 Stipend flap angers LR coaches BY TIM COOPER Democrat-Gazette Staff Writer Coaches in the Little Rock School District may be dismay^ with the recommendation to eliminate stipends, but most are still taking a wait-and-see attitude until a final decision is made. More than 400 school district employees were sent letters stating that their annual stipends are not automatic and that a recommendation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry P. Williams will be made that they be discontinued. -----Arkansas Democrat (Bazctt^ One coach speaks out 4C If whats in this letter is true, there is no coaching staff, Little Rock Central football coach Bernie Cox said. There are no athletics in Little Rock. The letter I received said we would not receive any stipends. Obviously they dont want us to work for nothing. They havent volunteered to take any pay cuts. Stipends compensate teachers for extra duty such as coaching or sponsoring student activities. According to coaches the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette talked to Sunday and Monday, annual coaching stipends range from $1,000 to $6,000. The letter also states that after a review of the stipends, the need for the extra duty and the district budget is completed, the employees may be asked to perform the extra duties again. I think this is an effort to balance the budget and to see what kind of funds they have available, said Oliver Fitzpatrick, the girls basketball coach at Central. The first and foremost thing is to balance the budget. If they cant do that, theres not going to be any teaching going on. If theres no teaching, theres not going to be any coaching. I havent lost hope. Its just an effort on the districts part to ensure that theyre fiscally sound. Thats good business. In an effort to save more than $1.85 million in salaries next year, the district notified 80 teachers that it is eliminating their jobs. TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994 Copyright Little Rock Newspapers. Inc. It was the third consecutive year the district has had to eliminate jobs, but no coaching jobs were affected. However, the elimination of stipends would effectively force some coaches to seek coaching jobs elsewhere. I think theyre crazy if they think were going to coach for free, said Parkview assistant football coach Terry Daniell. I dont think anyone asked them to be administrators for free. Im See COACHES, Page 4CCoaches Continued from Page 1C not going to go out there and coach for free. I'm not and I know the staff at Parkviews probably not. Frank Martin, an Arkansas Education Association staff member, said that under the Fair Dismissal Act, the removal of a stipend is seen as a reduction in compensation. This means folks have to be evaluated and observed ... be- i.fore they can be removed, said Martin, who is assigned to the Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association as executive director. My initial reaction is there are going to be some serious questions whether the district is able to issue statements to these guys saying that they arent going to come back next year. Not unless they abolish this position. Williams said he did not think the re-evaluation of the stipends would hurt the sports programs in the district. I don't think it's going to affect it at all, Williams said. "We have unilaterally given stipends to individuals over the years, and we're now looking at another way to do it.... We want to make sure that the people receiving stipends are the ones we want to do it. Williams said the district currently pays out more than $700,000 in stipends for coaches and teachers involved in extracurricular activities. But some coaches claim the letters only underscore the district's willingness to cut the athletic budget as much as possible. When the district spends $1,000 to send out certified letters notifying us there will be no stipends, they mean business, Cox said. T've been here 24 years, and I think its a slap in the face, Little Rock McClellan football coach Ellis Register said. Theres people who have worked in the district to make it better and they turn around and do that. Register said he was not shocked by the recommendation, but it hinders his staffs efforts to prepare for next season. Were making plans. Were working on schedules and our physicals for the summer, Register said. If we dont know something by Aug. 1. then we wont start practicing. Cox, who has been with the district 22 years, said it would not be fair for his team to start practicing later than other programs. Central is scheduled to open its season with defending Class AAAA champion Pine Bluff. Athletics in Little Rock has deteriorated over the past cou- I pie of years, Cox said. With all i the violence and murder in the t streets, it boggles my mind that ! theyre not putting more money into athletics and other extracurricular activities to get more young people going in a more positive direction. Athletics is a very small part of the school district in Little Rock, Daniell said. Thats evident by some of the fields we have and the crowds that come to the games. Our facilities are bad. They wont even buy the Coaches may avoid LRSD, Osmon says BY TIM COOPER Democrat'Qazetle Staff Writer Little Rock Central base- ball coach Scott Osmon, like many coaches in the Little Rock School District, does not agree with the.dis- tricts decision to re-evaluate coaching stipends. But he plans to remain with the district and has no plans to quit coaching whether stipends are eliminated or not. Personally, I will continue to coach, said Osmon, who commutes from Conway. "I have several kids that dont play anything but baseball and we practice throughout the year. Now, there are coaches that might not be able to devote as much time to their sports. Stipends are paid to school employees who perform extra duties such as coaching or sponsoring student activities. Osmon said the elimination of the stipends will make it difficult to lure good coaches to the district and keep many of the ones they have now. Nobodys getting rich in coaching anyway and to take away the stipends is only another insult, Osmon said. As coaches, we may be the only father figures some of these kids have. A lot of those kids need us, and its a shame they may not be able to to find the money somewhere. The decision to eliminate The stipends came three days after Osmons team earned its first trip to the Class AAAA State Baseball Tournament in the programs three-year history. The Tigers (14-8) finished third in the AAAA-Central Conference and ended Conways 27-game conference winning streak. We were 4-12 our first year and 9-10 last year, Osmon said. The kids have been able to see all phases. The Tigers will play North Little Rock at Burns Park on Thursday in the AAAA-Central semifinals. The winner will play Conway for the districts No. 1 seed in the state tournament. kids a letter jacket. There is nothing prestigious about athletics any more. I guess the things that are prestigious now are having a lot of money and jewelry and being a gang leader. The letter said individuals would be afforded a hearing before the Board of Directors regarding Williams recommendation if they notified the board in writing within 30 days from the letters receipt. Democrat-Gazette Staff Writers Todd Traub and Pete Perkins contributed to this report.?VFD .J Un Vt If f' OCT 2 6 1993 Skip Rutherford 5604 Hawthorne Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Office of Desegregation Monitanny Personal Not For Publication October 25,1993 Mr. Kevin Freking Arkansas Democrat-Gazette P.O. Box 2221 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 Dear Kevin: I thought your and Grant's Sunday articles about football in the Little Rock School District were interesting. They were well-written. However, I do think you concentrated on the negative, and I wish you had been more balanced. Some observations: 1. Little Rock Hall is 5-0, leading the AAAA Central division and is play-off bound. You could have easily focused on the success of a team which was not projected to be a title contender. 2. Little Rock Parkview is having its best season in years and maybe - just maybe - football is on the way back. It could have been presented that way. 3. In your comments about the 2.0 grade point average, you could have noted that the Little Rock School District has approximately 5% of the State's students, but approximately 14% of the state's national merit semifinalists. Central itself has 18 national merit semifinalists - the most of any school in Arkansas. Like the majority on the State Board of Education, I don't believe the 2.0 GPA is driving students into gangs, and I am encouraged the rest of the state is finally following the example Little Rock pioneered years ago. After aU there has certainly been much concern voiced in your paper about college remediation costs and the poor graduation rates of college athletes.Mr. Kevin Freking October 25,1993 Page Two You could have pointed out these scores on the ACT, a respected college admission test: White Scores Black Scores United States Arkansas Little Rock 21.4 20.7 21.9 17.1 16.8 17.4 (Note that Little Rock is higher than both the state and nation.) Although the 2.0 standard may get the blame, the gangs, etc. are a result of what has been called the "Hidden home curriculum" exacerbated by a family environment of single parents, no parents, high divorce rates (Arkansas leads the nation) and concentrated urban poverty (while the nation has 20% of its students in poverty, cities have 40%). Inner-dty neighborhoods all across America have suffered from middle-class flight, business flight and religious flight, and since Pulaski Cotmty encompasses the only significant urban area in the state, it suffers the most. On another matter you raised, as a University of Arkansas alumnus, and former Fayetteville resident. I'm very sorry the Razorback football team has had a string of bad seasons. I'm also very sorry the LRSD (and apparently other Arkansas schools) is not providing the U of A with the "stars of years past. I would note that one Central Arkansas star -- Catholic's Zach Adami chose Michigan over Arkansas, and thus the problem may not only be quality athletes, but the quality of the U of A program. Although in fairness, there's stiU hope the Hogs will get a bid to the Poulan Weedeater Independence Bowl in Shreveport. (Since the U of A's current kicking game is poor at best, you might suggest that the recruiters take a look at Central's kicker, Matthew Mittelstaedt. He is being recruited by colleges for soccer.) Also, your photo of the security at the Central-Hall game should be put into context. The last-time I came to the Democrat-Gazette building. I noticed strong security. To get to the second floor of the Post-Office Building on Capitol Avenue you have to pass through a metal-detector as well as security guards. At Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods there is a security guard to walk people to their cars, and there are many more examples throughout the city. Finally, as you did on football, I hope you will do a series on LRSD basketball, and someone also will do a front page article on LRSD's academic achievements.Mr. Kevin Freking October 25,1993 Page Three In your basketball article, perhaps you will point out Charles Ripley's success rate at Parkview, including State Championships, national rankings, NCAA scholarships, 3.0 team grade point average and the 6'7" junior guard which apparently Duke -- and most aU major colleges are coveting. In addition, you could feature Chris Williams, a scholar-athlete who starts for Central, and who is a first-class young man. Also, McQellan, Fair and Hall all have quality basketball programs. (You might even encourage people to come out and see some of the best high school - and junior high basketball in the region.) Thank you for your consideration of a more balanced approach in your reporting. Sincerely, Rutherford SR:sw cc: Grant Tennille Walter Hussman Paul Greenberg Rex Nelson Cynthia HowellCc: Little Rock School District May 17, 1993 RECEIVED MAY 1 8 Office of DesegregaSon Mcniioricg Mr. John Walker Attorney at Law 1723 Broadway Little Rock, AR 72206 Dear Mr. Walker: In response to your letter regarding Gary Greenwood dated May 14, 1993 to Superintendent Mac Bernd, I am forwarding to you a copy of the investigative report completed by Sam Stueart, Assistant Superintendent, for the Superintendent. We collectively reached what we believe to be a fair and equitable resolution to the concerns. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Yours very truly, anet L. Bernard Associate Superintendent for School Operations and Climate JLB:nr c
Mrs. Dede Greenwood Mrs. Ann Brown Dr. Mac Bernd 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)374-3361 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET To: From: Subject: LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS May 17, 1993 72201 Janet Bernard, Associate Superintendent for School Operations and Climate Sam Stueart, Acting Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools Tennis Tryouts at Pulaski Heights Junior High School As per your request at 7:45 a.m. this morning to investigate the matter at Pulaski Heights Junior High School pertaining to the selection procedure for the Pulaski Heights Jr. High tennis team, I am submitting the following information: Investigation After discussions with Janet Bernard, the patron, Ms. Greenwood and the principal of Pulaski Heights Jr. High, I find the following facts: 1. No "try-outs" were held to establish team members due to the fact that the teacher was sick and rain occurred on several days when the try-outs might have been scheduled. 2. Team members were chosen by taking those students who are ranked by the USTA. 3. No African-American team members were selected. One African- American student (Derrick Greenwood) expressed an interest, but was not ranked by the USTA and therefore was not selected. Solutions 1. In the future, state rankings by the USTA should not be used since the rankings are based on participation in tournaments requiring paid entrance fees. This works to exclude students who cannot afford to pay the fee. not to participate in the It also excludes students who did "private tournaments" because they preferred another activity or simply chose not to compete in those events. A student may be a very good tennis player and not be ranked by the USTA.Janet Bernard May 17, 1993 Page Two 2. In the future, round-robin try-outs are to be held so that a student has the opportunity to demonstrate tennis ability without USTA rankings being used or subjective judgements being made. In the future, 3. there should be a very serious effort to encourage participation in tennis by all members of the student body and opportunities to develop tennis skills should be given to students at Pulaski Heights. 4. To meet the immediate concern of.today, the principal will release students to play in try-outs for positions in tonight's tournament. today to "earn position equally. One or two students should not be expected to play try-outs. a position
all students should compete for a Two teachers will serve as line judges for the One teacher will be an African-American and one shall be of another race. A drawing will be held to determine opponents./< JOHN W. WALKER RALPH WASHINGTON MARK BURNETTE WILEY A. BRANTON. JR. ' AUSTIN PORTER, JR. * Also aiiinilhtl lo [raclin* in (U-nrgia & llv Dislrivl of ('obnnbia. John w. walker, p.a. Attorney At Law 1723 Broadway Little Rook, Arkansas 722n6 Telephone (501) 374-3758 FAX (501) 374-4187 rbceweo MAY 1 1 1993 QffC& of. DesegregaScn i'<<r icnitoring May 14, 1993 Delivered Via Fax & U.S. Hail Dr. Mac Bernd Superintendent of Schools Little Rock School District 810 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Dr. Bernd
It has come to my attention that there may be problems at Pulaski Heights again involving the administration of Mr. Ralph Hoffman. Please check to see whether or not the tennis team was just selected and its racial composition. I am representing the interests of Mr. Gary Greenwood, a student there, and his mother, Ms. Dede Greenwood. My information is that Mr. Greenwood was effectively prevented from being a team member by subjective consideration. My further understanding of our plan is that every effort will be made to ensure that all extra curricular activities are racially inclusive. Time is of the essence in that the tournament that this youngster is concerned about begins on Monday and continues on Tuesday. Therefore, your urgent attention is requested and action is also requested this weekend. If you agree with my conclusion, please let the youngster know so that he will have preparation time, though a minimum. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, John V W. Walker JWW:lp cc: Ms. Dede Greendwood Ms. Ann Brown28 THURSDAY, MARCH 18,1993 Pulaski Aikansas Democrat azctte i i I Grades sideline 4 % of basketball players in survey BY DANNY SHAMEER
Democrat-Gazette Education Writer . .' About 4 percent of the stu- . dents who played junior or se- . nior high school basketball in .1 ^Pulaski County public schools were ineligible in the second semester because of grades, an . Arkansas Demoerat-Gazette survey found. The survey reveals no particular pattern, such as .whether younger junior high players struggled more than : older high school players to meet academic eligibility requirements. Also, the data does not in- f elude how many students may have simply stayed away from signing up for a basketball team because of the standards a figure that would be impossible to compile, some coaches and principals said. But the survey does show that the Little Rock School District which has had a tougher academic standard since 1988- 89 had a marginally smaller percentage of ineligible players than the other two Pulaski County public school districts. The survey found
In the Little Rock district, the states largest in enrollment, 3 percent of 623 players from 13 schools lost their eligibility during the season. Twenty-two players ineligible the first semester regained eligibility the second semester. The Pulaski County Special School District, the states second-largest in enrollment, had about 5 percent of 526 players from 13 schools lose eligibility during the season. Seventeen players ineligible the first semester regained eligibility for the second semester. The North Little Rock School District had about 6 percent of 171 players declared ineligible. Students who quit the team or were kicked off for nonacademic reasons were not included in the numbers. Since 1988, the Little Rock district has required its players to have at least a C average, or 2.0 grade-point average. The North Little Rock and Pulaski County Special districts make their players earn at least a 1.6 grade-point average. Student athletes in all the states public school districts will be required to earn at least a 1.8 grade-point average in the fall semester to play on a publie school team. The minimum grade-point average increases to a 2.0 Little Rocks standard in the 1994 fall semester. Not everyone is happy about that. I believe in letting all kids play and not excluding anyone, said Eugene Stuckey, boys basketball coach at Jacksonville South Junior High, echoing the views of many coaches. Im concerned that the Arkansas Activities Asso- we have a lot of kids who are just above the special ed line but are academically slow. We have programs for special ed and gifted students, but nothing for the kids in between. A whole group out there who need help and a little motivation will stay away from sports. These are the kids who end up in gangs. Some of these kids are going to be in someones gang the street gang or the basketball team gang, Stuckey said. Statewide figures for basketball arent available from ciation, a governing body for interscholastic activities. Basketball is the only major sport in the schools that spans the first and second semesters.> P/XxcA-tCg- I ? AJO, lUjt> U'. I |^Ln\-(oc l op - A \oc Ao'P i^S 5^Lf-L < \cc5'Act'<' dt>tA^ xQS" - 4 A >\ c^' 1 cx^ lo<xJi ftyn(X3fy^ "" 16" p^ictoQOxs. (Gen 4c\,(cC i iq.bC iQAA SocKs f rijr , 1 <ppuf Cx-muCL - L-Ovn u ti n\lAe on tiVA^ b\cLQ_ . 434 .A'o OO LcUi^ X fYAcxi^ 2S> EKC^PTAOCfel o Afnc>>n43. 4>V10lQ5 a o 2]~~. V>o.oe_ o.*^ -Qu.vyy >1 ' Cx-^ AVvC- \o Pcxf er\'t ' ^r>oxA.< '^Ckx^U^A^'s 'O>ae_SCHOOL Central High Fair High Hall High McClellan High Parkview High Magnet Cloverdale Jr. High Dunbar Magnet Jr. Forest Heights Jr. Henderson Jr. Mabelvale Jr. Mann Magnet Jr. Pulaski Heights Jr. Southwest Jr. Jacksonville High Mills High North Pulaski High Oak Grove High Jr. & Robinson High Sylvan Hills High Fuller Jr. OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN SUPERVISOR 201 EAST MARKHAM SUITE 510 HERITAGE WEST BUILDING LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ENROLLMENT September 28, 1990 CHEERLEADERS DRILL TEAM/PEP CLUB DIST LRSD PCSSD It It It tl It % BLK 59% 56% 57% 62% 55% 68% 63% 69% 73% 64% 58% 62% 75% 25% 44% 21% 21% 23% 22% 50% T W B % BLK T W B % BLK 19 10 9 47% 15 7 8 53% 17 14 3 18% 18 16 2 11% 12 17 16 16 12 12 12 10 16 12 16 13 14 11 22 10 12 15 9 3 25% 24 14 10 42% 13 4 24% 22 14 8 36% 6 10 63% 25 2 23 92% 13 3 19% 20 8 12 60% 1 7 2 11 5 8 2 Other 6 4 7 9 92% 42% 67% 40% 56% 17 20 23 24 21 0 3 6 15 5 17 17 17 9 16 8 8 4 7 1 Other 12 0 1 Other 13 11 19 9 11 11 1 0 3 1 1 4 100 85% 74% 38% 76% 33% 44% 0% 7% 0% 14% 10% 8% 27% 11 22 27 17 24 28 29 21 29 0 2 11 14 2 Other 25 2 7 10 20 22 27 11 13 4 6 2 10 16 100 64% 7% 59% 17% 21% 7% 48% 55% 1CHEERLEADERS DRILL TEAM/PEP CLUB SCHOOL DIST % BLK T W B % BLK T W B % BLK Jacksonville N. Jr. tl 24% 12 8 4 33% 19 15 4 21% Jacksonville S. Jr. (I 27% 11 10 1 9% 29 20 9 31% Northwood Jr. 21% 14 13 1 7% 27 22 5 19% Robinson Jr. II 24% 8 7 1 13% NA NA NA NA Sylvan Hills Jr. M 24% 12 11 1 8% 21 10 11 52% NLRHS West NLRSD 36% 16 12 4 25% 30 21 9 30% NLRHS East II 43% 35 32 3 9% 78 42 36 46% Lakewood Middle II 41% 31 25 6 19% 76 57 17 22% 2 Other Ridgewood Middle II 42% 19 12 7 37% 54 43 11 20% Rose City II 56% 30 12 18 60% 30 8 22 73% 2OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN SUPERVISOR 201 EAST MARKHAM, SUITE 510 HERITAGE WEST BUILDING LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 Hand Delivered May 31, 1990 TO: James Jennings, Associate Superintendent for FROM: SUBJECT: lesegregation Monitoring and Program Development kirma Hart, Associate Metropolitan Supervisor Purchase of Cheerleader Uniforms All districts are to provide transportation and uniforms for cheerleaders, pep club, and drill team on the same basis as those items are provided for athletic squads. the court-approved plan. This is a requirement ofHand Delivered TO: James FROM: SUBJECT: The OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN SUPERVISOR 201 EAST MARKHAM, SUITE 510 HERITAGE WEST BUILDING LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS May 23, 1990 Jennings, Associate 72201 Superintendent Desegregation Monitoring and Program Development Prentice Dupins, Associate Metropolitan Supervisor Purchase of Cheerleader Uniforms Extracurricular Activities following summary should clear up any problems for of interpretation of the language concerning the extracurricular activities section of the Tri-District Desegregation Plan: Items That Are Required 1. Each secondary school will have a director of activities whose duties are specifically defined on pages one and two of the extracurricular activities section. 2. Transportation and uniforms for cheerleaders, pep club, and drill team members will be provided by the district on the same basis as those items athletic squads. are provided for 3. If the absence of transportation for other extracurricular activities serves as an impediment to desegregation, the district is to provide transportation for these activities. 4. The Little Rock Districts are to and Pulaski County Special School use the services of the Arkansas Department of Education to assess its extracurricular activities. program of The districts are to develop further plans to increase black student participation. It Items That Are To Be Considered But Not Stated as Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4 . is The districts are to consider the addition of acrobatics/gymnastics to the secondary curriculum. The districts are to consider sponsoring clinics and or mini-camps for sports and music activities. The districts are to consider the addition of a mentor program to assist at-risk youths in the school. The districts are to consider standardizing eligibility requirements for extracurricular participation within the three districts. my understanding that occurring in the near future, district's requirement to pay tryouts either have or will be If the information regarding the for uniforms for cheerleaders and drill teams was not advertised prior to tryouts or practice, it will be necessary to repeat the process used to select members for these squads. All students should be appraised of these facts prior to tryouts so that cost factors will not serve as a deterrent to participation. It is my hope that this will provide clarification for any points that may have appeared unclear. I am sure that this will help you in reaching the goals you have stated in your own plans for the removal of barriers extracurricular activities. for students who wish to participate inLittle Rock School District HAND-DELIVERED May 21, 1990 TO: Ann Brown, Arma Hart, and Prentice Dupins - Associate Metropolitan Supervisors FROM: James Jennings, Associate Superintendent for Desegregation Monitoring and Program Development THROUGH: 'ar. Herb Cleek, Deputy Superintendent ^Dr. Ruth Steele, Superintendent of Schools SUBJECT: Purchase of Cheerleader Uniforms According to the Tri-District Desegregation Plan, "nthe parent committee (on extracurricular activities) recommended that transportation and uniforms for cheerleaders, pep club, and drill team members be provided by the districts on the same basis as uniforms and transportation are pro-vided for athletic squads. II Since the court-approved plan refers to the purchase of cheerleader uniforms as a recommendation, rather than a requirement, it is conceivable that each district can decide whether or not to implement the parent committee's recommendation. The Little Rock School District would like for your office to interpret the language cited above. Some items in the plan are "recomnended" and some items are clearly required. If possible, please provide a written response to our concern on or before May 24. 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)374-3361 JUN 2 & W IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS WESTERN DIVISION Oiiice of Desegrcg
IE Son MonitoriH: LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT, ET AL. PLAINTIFFS V. NO. LR-C-82-866 PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ET AL. DEFENDANTS MRS. LORENE JOSHUA, ET AL. INTERVENORS KATHERINE W. KNIGHT, ET AL. INTERVENORS I. BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF MOTION TO INTERVENE AND MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION LIMITED INTERVENTION MUST BE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE PARTIES' FAILURE TO MEET THEIR DESEGREGATION OBLIGATIONS The Joshua intervenors and the applicants for intervention jointly seek permission from the court to join the additional named intervenors to this proceeding pursuant to Rule 24(b), Fed. R. Civ. P. Throughout this litigation, the role of the Joshua intervenors has been to ensure that the remedy in this case resulted in enforceable commitments from the other parties on behalf of minority students in the three districts. That goal has been accomplished through the approval by the Court of the parties' settlement agreement and the three school districts' individual and joint plans for desegregation. These commitments are now enforceable by the Joshua intervenors through this court. enforcing the agreements. but in the real beneficiaries will often be individual students rather than the entire class of minority students. After all, individual students come into daily contact with the districts in entirely unique sets of circumstances. buteach student has a right to enforce the remedial obligations as it affects them in their daily interaction with the parties. Although the Joshua intervenors are diligent in their attempts to monitor the districts and to insist on compliance, ultimate responsibility for enforcement is in the court. Therefore, as the real beneficiaries of very specific remedial obligations, minority students in the district must have access to this court on their own behalf. Since it is actually the individual applicants' right to fair treatment under the parties settlements which the Joshua intervenors are seeking through this limited proceeding for preliminary injunction, the applicants for intervention should be allowed to intervene for the limited purpose of enforcing the settlement as it relates to their particular participation in extra-curricular activities at Pulaski Heights Junior High School. II. INTERVENORS ARE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE RELIEF The present motion is styled "Motion for Preliminary Injunction," but intervenors are essentially seeking enforcement of the parties' prior settlement agreements and desegregation plans. Consequently, this motion might also be considered a motion for contempt and enforcement. Either approach justifies a quick hearing on the claims raised. A. Preliminary Injunction Intervenors will be enjoined from implementing irreparably harmed if the LRSD is not the cheerleader selection results which intervenors claim are racially biased and out of compliance with the districts obligations for desegregation of extra-curricularactivities. The selection of cheerleaders for Pulaski Heights Junior High, PHJH, occurs once a year, usually in April. This selection process has occurred and it has presumably determined the cheerleader participation for the 1992-93 school year. That participation begins during the summer. however, through the summer training camps which the school sends its cheerleaders to. Only students that attend PHJH may participate. Consequently, the minor intervenors will be ineligible for participation in the summer cheerleading camps nor in the future because they will presumably move on to the next grade and a different school after the 1992 93 school year. Therefore, relief must come swiftly, if it is to come at all. The damage to the intervenors' self esteem and their disillusionment with the educational system that will result from their denial of fair participation will also irreparably harm them in their future educational processes. The benefits of fair and equitable participation are cumulative and cannot be restored after the fact. seek. Intervenors are likely to succeed in obtaining the relief they Pursuant to the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, LRSD V.PCSSD, 921 F.2d 1371 (Sth Cir. 1990), remedial orders have already been entered in this case pursuant to the parties "settlement agreements" and "settlement plans". The LRSD plan for desegregation has recently been resubmitted and represents enforceable commitments by LRSD to the intervenors. (See "Desegregation Plan Little Rock School District April 29,19 9 2
relevant portions of which are Motion) attached to Intervenor's The intervenors reserved the right to seek enforcement of these plans through this court. (See Settlement Agreement, p. 19.) Under the LRSD Desegregation Plan, the District has committed to: tl E. of Ensuring that equity occurs in all phases school activities and operations (i.e. activities school, class and staff assignments
participation in extracurricular activities
distribution of resources
etc.) [underlining class added for emphasis] Equity, tt in this situation, means "participation. II in meaningful numbers, not merely the right to access. There should ordinarily be some semblance of proportional participation. at least proportional to the numbers that try out for a particular activity. Here the disparities in participation are so overwhelming as to be patently unfair and ludicrous. (Eleven out of seventeen white applicants were selected, while only one out of eleven black applicants were selected
in the previous year. an even more disparate selection ratio occurred.) The district also has a binding commitment to: I. Ongoing staff development activities to equip teachers, and other staff with the skills needed to administrators, achieve quality desegregation education, and
(LRSD Plan, p. 1) c. Encourage positive attitudes and commitments to the desegregation plan by taking a team approach to promoting it, involving school staff,___administrators,___parfents,---and (INTERDISTRICT DESEGREGATION PLAN, p.65) volunteers. The district has failed to meet its obligation to develop these commitments in their staff and volunteers. Their failure is egregiously obvious in the disparities in these extra-curricularactivities. In addition, the ability to improve is built into the process through the school's participation in summer training camps for their cheerleading squads. Furthermore, the District has committed to a yearly "analysis" of participation data. The responsibility is that of the Assistant Superintendents, the Associate Superintendent for Desegregation and the Manager for Support Services. These monitoring activities must occur in timely fashion so that they can be translated into corrective policies throughout the school year. Yet, nothing has been said or done by the administration to address the miscarriage of the district's obligations in regard to the extra curricular activities complained of herein
not even a response to the intervenors. The district has obligations in all of these areas pursuant to their own Desegregation Plan. There is little doubt that it has not met these obligations and that intervenors will secure the relief they seek. In contrast. there can be no injury to the defendants by enforcing their obligations under the settlement plans
they are already obliged to take these remedial steps. After providing the proper training to the staff and judges. the district will be obliged to contact all of the students who tried out. reschedule try-outs and remake these decisions. This can hardly be considered enough of a harm to counter-balance the harm to the intervenors. In contrast. the public interest will be best served by enjoining the district and enforcing the defendant's desegregation plan. The public interest is best served when the public seesactivities. In addition, the ability to improve is built into the process through the school's participation in summer training camps for their cheerleading squads. Furthermore, the District has committed to a yearly "analysis of participation data. The responsibility is that of the Assistant Superintendents, the Associate Superintendent for Desegregation and the Manager for Support Services. These monitoring activities must occur in timely fashion so that they can be translated into corrective policies throughout the school year. Yet, nothing has been said or done by the administration to address the miscarriage of the district's obligations in regard to the extra-curricular activities complained of herein
not even a response to the intervenors. The district has obligations in all of these areas pursuant to their own Desegregation Plan. There is little doubt that it has not met these obligations and that intervenors will secure the relief they seek. In contrast, there can be no injury to the defendants by enforcing their obligations under the settlement plans
they are already obliged to take these remedial steps. After providing the proper training to the staff and judges. the district will be obliged to contact all of the students who tried out. reschedule try-outs and remake these decisions. This can hardly be considered enough of a harm to counter-balance the harm to the intervenors. In contrast. the public interest will be best served by enjoining the district and enforcing the defendant's desegregation plan. The public interest is best served when the public seesfaithful adherence to the school's procedures and commitments to desegregation. CONCLUSION Wherefore, the LRSD has failed to meet it obligations to intervenors under the terms of the parties' settlement agreement and desegregation plans, and should be enjoined as intervenors have prayed for in the accompanying Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. WALKER, P.A. 1723 Broadway Little Rock, AR (501) 374-3758 72206 John W. Walker, Bar No. 64046 -2^ ), U i-1 Mark Burnette, Bar No. 88078 ? / O '222 !2:2. 1122 Wiley A. 'Brailton, Jr. Bar No-/ 90053 Norman Chachkin, Esq. NAACP Legal Defense Fund 99 Hudson Street Mew York, New York (202) 212-1900 10013CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been mailed, postage prepaid to the counsel of record listed below on this 'O / day of /t't 19 J Christopher Heller, Esq. Friday, Eldredge & Clark 2000 First Commercial Building Little Rock, AR 72201 Sam Jones, Esq. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 2200 Worthen Bank Building Little Rock, AR 72201 Steve Jones, Esq. Jack, Lyon & Jones, P.A. 3400 Capitol Towers Capitol & Broadway Streets Little Rock, AR 72201 Richard Roachell, Esq. #15 Hickory Creek Drive Little Rock, AR 72212 Mark Burnettefaithful adherence to the school's procedures and commitments to desegregation. CONCLUSION Wherefore, the LRSD has failed to meet it obligations to intervenors under the terms of the parties' settlement agreement and desegregation plans, and should be enjoined as intervenors have prayed for in the accompanying Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. WALKER, P.A. 1723 Broadway Little Rock, AR (501) 374-3758 72206 John W. Walker, Bar No. 64046 / // t' Mark Burnette, Bar No. 88078 Wiley A. Brarfton, Jr. Bar No-/ 90053 Norman Chachkin, Esq. NAACP Legal Defense Fund 99 Hudson Street New York, New York (202) 212-1900 10013
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