https://padlet.com/semelchior/9vwghq5zvw8cx137 After viewing the short ESPN film, Central High, what do you think?  This is a school you have driven by, possibly parked at, certainly wondered about.  Did you have any idea that a school that looks that big and new could be facing such serious budget shortages?  Why is this?  What did you think of that fact that several of their athletic activities are ONLY available to students because of the parking done during Alabama football games?  Why do some schools have so much so easily and others have to work so hard to break even - if that.  Create your post and submit by 10/22 (11:59 pm) and respond to a classmate by 10/25 (11:59 pm). en-us 2021-08-17 01:04:59 UTC 2026-02-25 07:24:20 UTC hello@padlet.com lancehigdon13 https://padlet.com/semelchior/9vwghq5zvw8cx137/wish/1837511389 The beginning of the film provides the perfect example on how zoning is ultimately creating barrier for students who deserve a high quality education. This represents how Birmingham City Schools, Vestavia, and Hoover operate within the city of Birmingham.

Honestly, I am not from Tuscaloosa nor have I heard of Central High School, but the concept is the same with the schools in Birmingham City. I am sure the budgeting shortages are coming from tax dollars. Some studies show that neighborhoods with high counts of title loan and pawn shops are also high on the poverty scale. I would assume then some - if not most families - are on some government assistance which is also tax exempt which takes away from local school funding.

Schools are similar to real estate properties - location, location, location. Unfortunately, when cities began zoning for school districts, some stakeholders rigged the lines so that certain groups of communities stuck together. I would consider this social class segregation. Over time, the system refuses to change because society has normalized the status quo.

This is a real problem for a majority of our students, teachers, educational leaders, and the communities at large. Hopefully, one day something will change to promote more equity towards all students.]]> 2021-10-23 02:48:59 UTC https://padlet.com/semelchior/9vwghq5zvw8cx137/wish/1837511389 https://padlet.com/semelchior/9vwghq5zvw8cx137/wish/1840369462 I am not from Tuscaloosa so I was unaware of all the controversy that surrounded the split of the original Central School. Even when I got hired in the City system, I was still oblivious to the politics and dynamics between the three schools. After about a year, began to realize how the schools were truly zoned. I actually know Coach Connor and have had the honor to talk with him. He worked hard to give those young men hope and discipline to become better men!
As I stated, I was not aware of the budget shortages and poverty percentage until my recent years of being in the city system.  I think the reason for these budget issues comes down to the zoning. Like the article in the Washington post stated most of the funding for schools come from property taxes. So this is what happens when you have a school zoned in the most poverty streakened area of the city. 
I do not like the idea that atletics are only available because of the parking. Students in these areas need athletics more than students in any other area. They are better off involved in extracurriculars rather than running the streets and getting into trouble. 
It all goes back to money. Money rules everything. If you have money you can make a lot of things easier. You would think that education would be the one place where every students was able to be equal and had an even playing field. However, this is not the reality.

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