If you haven't already, check out the web page we set up dedicated to the March 8 schools referendum. Kudos to lead editor Jacinthia Jones and the designers, who oh by the way also worked with faith guru and Hall of Fame journalist David Waters to launch another fantastic site on Sunday, Faith in Memphis.
Obviously, go to our schools site and read every single word. Twice. Memorize them. Or not. But do check it out.
One great resource available online at the site is the repository of documents, including studies, budgets, legal documents, etc. We also have included some PowerPoint presentations, and though Some have an obvious agenda, University of Memphis professor Daniel Kiel's continually evolving presentation seeks to explain the issue from an objective -- if not detached -- point of view.
Prof. Kiel, a White Station graduate who came back to Memphis after getting his law degree at Harvard, has published a study of the ways Memphis botched desegregation (racist obstructionists violating federal law led to overreaching busing plans not concerned enough with educational outcomes). The main lessons he said he took from those schools battles of the 60s and 70s -- not enough reasoned voices spoke up to attempt to moderate the contentious battles. Kiel has thus been practicing what he was preaching -- going to forum after forum to present his even-handed, objective view of the current situation.
Anyway, check out this PowerPoint. Tell us what you think.
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