Pushing the Boundaries Redistricting the Kentwood Schools Term Paper

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successful redistricting efforts of the Kentwood schools as originated by Mary Leiker. Her plans, while somewhat idealistic, did address some marked needs in Kentwood and indeed in the United States as a whole. Redistricting, according to Leiker, would address the community's needs on various levels. Firstly, it would address the needs of the children involved. On the one hand, no American community is homogeneous, and this needs to be reflected in the school community. Leiker's justification for this view is that greater diversity in the school community would prepare them for diversity issues they would face as adults, both in the workplace and in the general community. Furthermore, giving children of diverse ethnic backgrounds and intellectual abilities the chance to work and learn together would be beneficial to both. What Leiker refers to as "at risk" children would benefit from the opportunity to learn from their peers, while intellectually stronger children would benefit from acknowledging the diversity of the learning community. These children could further develop their leadership skills by engaging in helping children with lower learning abilities. Friendships and learning communities would thus be enhanced by greater tolerance among children. These are all very laudable and community-oriented ideals, and it is understandable that the plans for redistricting were ultimately a success.

However, the way in which the plans were implemented and presented to the community leaves considerable room for improvement.

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The community resistance offered to the proposal was considerable and caused a large amount of unhealthy bickering among community members and board officials. According to the events presented in the article, it appears that the issue could have been handled with much more sensitivity. It is true that change is almost always somewhat painful and that a degree of resistance should be expected. However, such resistance should be dealt with by an open and honest relationship with those affected.

The planning and development phase of Leiker's ideals are perfectly logical, taking to heart the needs of the community, its children and its future in terms of the American ideal of equality and freedom. Further in her favor is the fact that she is obviously qualified as both a superintendent and educator to implement the kind of changes she deemed necessary for the redistricting process. Her passion and dedication to her job are also qualities that suits her well to the job at hand. The plans she wished to implement for Kentwood were well thought out, taking into account many complex issues and situations.

A great part of the problems she faced later when attempting to win community support for the project was due to elements beyond her control. The unfortunate timing forced by elements such as the mine and building the extra school, along with funding, was the main….....

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"Pushing The Boundaries Redistricting The Kentwood Schools" (2005, November 04) Retrieved May 22, 2025, from
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