Small Town News

Growing up, I never really appreciated the idea of living so far from civilization.  We had no stores, no stop lights, no gas, and no high school.... not even a Dairy Queen.  We did have a tiny little drive-in grocery that made a delicious sandwich on occasion.  Devers, Texas has a population of 350 and has made some progress in the last few years... it has a bigger drive-in grocery and even gas!  It can also be found on most maps, now!

While this little town is full of rice fields and hay fields, it also provides one of the best small-school educations in the state.  However, Devers is facing educational turmoil right now, while maintaining academic excellence.  No one there is happy to see that this little school (PK-8) is on the list for possible closing in the future.  It is on the brink of disappearance due to economical concerns rather than educational concerns.  State and local governments are aggressively working to close down small schools and force giganticism upon education.  (I know... giganticism isn't a word, and I just used it twice!... you get my point, though... right?)  The state drains money from the small schools and gives very little in return... therefore forcing them to close.

We live in a large town right now, and I am dreading having to start Maggie in this public school system.  And the main reason being... its gigantic size!  Yes, they meet all of the academic standards and educational expectations.  But, my concern lies within character, positive examples, relationships, values, integrity, and  attention that gigantic schools just can't provide.

My dad is the president of the school board for DISD.  He fights on a daily basis to keep the doors open of this wonderful educational institution.  My mom teaches fifth grade there, and is always on the top of the list of favorite teachers as children reminisce about their elementary years.  She just recently lost 6 or 7 colleagues due to forced reduction.  At least two of those employees have been there since I was in Kindergarten at Devers ISD.  This school, and the teachers that influenced my life made such an impact on who I am today.  I know the children that have the opportunity to experience this school leave the 8th grade much better academically and with great character.  It provides the ideal setting for learning in small classes.  I hope that Maggie, Chap and Whit can someday experience this school.  After all... one of those hay fields won't be all hay some day!