By Crystal McGough
PINSON — Pinson city councilor Dawn Tanner asked the mayor and council Thursday night to postpone a motion regarding a proposed feasibility study for the creation of a public school system, in light of Councilor Brad Walker being absent from the meeting.
Mayor Joe Cochran said that he would not be present at the next council meeting, on April 17, so the proposal is expected to be brought back to the table at the April 7 meeting.
Despite Cochran saying that he would like the council to hold any comment on the matter until that time, Councilor Robbie Roberts had prepared information that he chose to go ahead and share.
“I have no illusions that anything I might say might change anyone’s mind regarding this proposal that’s been brought up – and I realize now we won’t be taking this up for a month – but I still think it’s important for the public to understand what’s going on,” Roberts said. “… Whether it’s our park, whether or not it’s our school system, or anything else that we might be doing around here, we definitely want to make sure it’s first class. I do want to relay some information that I gathered over this last week since this was brought to my attention, in hopes that that might clear up some of these issues that are out there.”
Roberts quoted a pastoral friend of his, saying that “passion without knowledge is dangerous.”
“I appreciate the enthusiasm that everybody has, and I hope that we’ll all be in search of the truth and in search of solutions that we can all work together with,” he said.
Roberts shared three reasons why he believes the city forming its own school district would be problematic. His first concern was the reduction of student population sizes, possibly resulting in Pinson losing its status as a 6A school. Secondly, he was concerned about the involvement of the federal courts and the precedent that was set when Gardendale attempted to form its own school system. Finally, Roberts said that he had reservations about increasing taxes to fund a school system.
During public comments, several citizens spoke both in favor of and against the feasibility study, which would cost the city $8,500.
“We actually had a meeting with Dr. Gonsoulin today,” Pam Johnson said. “… We did address issues with him about some of the – what we see as – neglect to the structures of our school. … That being said, I do support the feasibility study, because I do think that gives us knowledge to pursue a passion, or to not pursue that passion. I am not 100% convinced that running our own schools is the best way to go; I do think the feasibility study, to figure out more information, is in our best interest at this time.”
Vincent Larry spoke against the feasibility study, but in favor of holding the Jefferson County BOE accountable.
“You’re going to have limited funds,” Larry said. “… I’m just saying, y’all got to consider what you’re doing before you jump out there. Why waste $8,000 when you can put it somewhere else? …We’ve just got to fight, and we’ve got to put the pressure on the superintendent.”
Stephanie Floyd, who is currently running for the District 3 seat on the Jefferson County BOE, also spoke against the city’s possible separation from the county school district.
“It kind of broke my heart to hear about the possibility of tearing away from the county because of issues,” she said. “I think it’s really important for us to make sure that we speak up; parents have to speak up. … I am here, really, just to get some more information to find out really what’s going on behind the scenes so that we can figure out a way to address this. I don’t believe that it’s important to throw out the baby with the bathwater; there has to be a way to rectify this.”
In other news, Mayor Cochran awarded Pinson’s Christmas parade winners. First Baptist Church of Pinson won first place and Pinson 8U Football won third place. The second-place winner, Bradford Sanctuary of Praise, was not present at the meeting.
Sherry Tews accepted the 1st place prize on behalf of First Baptist Church of Pinson
Parks Director Matt Nixon accepted the 3rd place prize on behalf of Pinson U8 Football
Upcoming events:
- Trade Days – Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- CityFest – Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Movies in the Park – May 27 through Aug. 5, every other Friday
The next meeting of the Pinson Council will be Thursday, March 17, at Pinson City Hall. Pre-council will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
