Freeport School District leaders expect tough questions Tuesday regarding the wishes of an anonymous $5000 donor. 

The donors request is that the money is to be used to pay the parents of African-American boys who have good attendance in kindergarten.

According to JournalStandard.com:

The district has about 55 African-American boys registered in kindergarten, so the donation will be split among those who make it through the school year with at least 95 percent attendance, according to a Sept. 10 letter from Nita White, equity and curriculum director. That means each boy and his family will receive about $90 if all of them don't miss more than eight days this academic year.

Superintendent Mike Schiffman said leaders want to close the achievement gap between black and white students. If Freeport educators can help black youngsters at an earlier age, so much the better, considering that kindergarten isn’t compulsory in Illinois. “Really, we just have a gentleman who wants to give a private donation to help out a group of students,” Schiffman said.

Donation to Pay African-American Boys for Good Kindergartner Attendance in Freeport
Catherine Yeulet, Thinkstock
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The job of district leaders now is to make sure it's consistent with policy and guidelines. According to the policy, "only those gifts that the School Board deems consistent with the policies, programs and best interest of the district will be accepted. Only grants which fit within the goals and focus of the district will be pursued. These grants should enhance the existing program or take the district in an innovative direction which will last well beyond the life of a grant.”

I just don't see how this a way to instill a love of learning in ANY child where the love isn't being fostered at home. And that must be the assumption of the donor otherwise why donate the money to be used in this way. Is $90 really going to change the way a child is taught, at home, to feel about school? Why must we continue using money to encourage young people to be ambitious?

If you'd like to attend the board meeting to have your questions answered or your complaints heard, the board meets tonight (10/6) at 7pm in the Administration Building, 503 E. South St..

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