Schools can be the cornerstones of neighborhoods. The city has lost 2 elementary schools and a middle school. Any plans for replacing the schools should not just look at the facilities, but involve some creative thinking about curriculum/programming.

The city soon will have a new superintendent. The fresh face and new perspective, combined with community input, could create a new vision of our schools that will, in turn, create a greater sense of community ownership in the schools. We can start implementing that new vision and philosophy with the schools that we'll be creating from scratch.

When Alberta moved to the Magnet School after the tornado, there was talk of the possibility of increased collaboration between the two. Maybe Alberta could come back with a greater emphasis on project-based learning, or community-sponsored enrichment programs like the ones the Magnet School has created. Maybe we could have a "lab" school with a special relationship with UA or Stillman. Or another magnet school with an emphasis on STEM programs. The key will be getting input and buy-in from the communities to ensure highly successful schools in the re-built neighborhoods.