Over the course of this local election cycle, I have noted with dismay that a majority of the candidates running for municipal office and school board want us to continue to have two main high schools, Juneau-Douglas and Thunder Mountain.
However, these same individuals answered “Yes” to problems and issues the two schools have (i.e. large class size, funding activities, etc.). There is an obvious disconnect here, as the very problems they all agree with are caused and exacerbated by trying to maintain two small high schools. Solving these issues can best be addressed by merging the schools.
Most people I talk to about this are of the same opinion that merging the two main high schools is in the best interests of Juneau students.
For those who disagree, are they saying that two small schools are superior to one modestly-sized one? Do they understand the reality that student enrollment numbers have been declining for the last 15 years at high school level? Do they know we have started merging teams and programs like debate, tennis and wrestling because funding has been decimated and there is lack of participation with the declining student numbers? Do they know we have the ongoing study to look at how the district has too many facilities to justify in light of the decline in student population? Do they understand that students have less choice than ever before (example: have to take French II or AP Biology, can’t take both). Do they understand that both football teams started with such low numbers that they can barely field varsity teams and JV squads have already been eliminated?
This town needs to make a decision about which way high schools are going to go and what is in the best interests of kids. Two small schools of less than 600 students are not able to meet the needs of all as well as one school of 1000. (those who need more help, those who are advanced, and all the rest in between). With the dramatic decrease in student population, Thunder Mountain has struggled to grow its programs, while Juneau-Douglas has struggled to maintain its programs. Even if we draw boundary lines to keep both schools’ populations equal, we will not address the issues. We have lost engineering programs, language programs, chef programs, business classes, social studies classes and student store. How long before we lose our superb auto shop, wood shop or metal shop programs at JDHS?
Yes, the district will lose some funding by going to one main high school (and Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School, of course). However, that amount of money can be offset by the savings of closing other facilities. Also, the loss of money (perhaps $200,000 total) is minor when compared to the total $80 million budget, and indeed, it will pale in comparison to all the benefits and opportunities students will realize being in one school!
Some people like the two of every sports team thing, but we don’t make decisions based on sports teams, and I, for one, don’t see great enjoyment of TM and JD beating up on each other. I just see Juneau losing. How can rooting against a Juneau team build community? Merging the sports will not lead to less students in activities, and it could actually increase participation. Yes, there will be a loss of varsity participation initially, as lower classmen playing varsity anymore, but they will now have the chance to develop as 15 and 16 year olds, and then perhaps rise to varsity level at 17 and 18. The JV and C teams will have increased participation, and that will help to foster safe development.
With the merging of sports this year, the tennis and wrestling teams are doing great with the combined rosters, and it has been a positive experience. However, the district must apply for another waiver to allow merging to continue. Safety will be enhanced, and abilities will be developed. Without this waiver, students will not be allowed to participate if they don’t attend the actual school. Not only should the waiver continue, but due to continued dropping participation and cutting of sports funding, it needs to be expanded. With, of course, academics being the priority.
We should be talking about and planning now for what is coming in the next several years. This isn’t a doom and gloom outlook — it is an opportunity for the youth of this town. It isn’t the destruction of the new high school, it is a reinvention of the 70-year-old school. For those who demand staying with all three high schools, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, the pros of merging far outweigh the cons. If we stick with the current model, how do we fund everything? How do we explain the continued loss of programs and opportunities for all students? How can we ever add or bring back classes with so few teachers in buildings?
No one is predicting a large enough increase in the student population to make up for what we have lost the last 15 years. The days of having one large high school of 1800 students is over. Thirty years out, the population of Juneau is predicted to be about the same, however that population continues to age. The critical 13-38 year-old demographic (with regards to adding school-age children to the community) used to be almost 40 percent of the population. Today, it is just 10 percent. The time to start this process is now. There is no need to re-hash the past. Our city chose to have two main high schools for the best interests of our kids. Now, in light of today’s reality, the best interests of Juneau’s youth demand we address the situation sooner rather than later.
There must be a plan of action formulated. To continue to do nothing is to brush aside the needs of our youth. Let’s come together as a community and do the right thing now.
• Kurt S. Dzinich, Jr.has lived in Juneau for 40 years, taught at JDHS for 20 years, and is the tennis team coach.
