Citizens are concerned about the possible closure of P.A.S.S Academy in Dothan
A proposed ban on texting while driving is going through Alabama legislation...Watch News 4 This Morning for the latest developments.
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 6:48 PM Aug 14, 2009
Citizens are concerned about the possible closure of P.A.S.S Academy in Dothan
The Dothan City School Board will hold its bi-weekly meeting up for discussion is the option of closing P.A.S.S Academy next Monday. This comes after proration hit 11 percent leaving Dothan city schools short five-and-a-half million dollars.
Posted: 4:45 PM Aug 14, 2009
Reporter: Rhiana Huckins
Email Address: rhiana@wtvy.com
width:200 and height: 120 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 120
Font Size:

The Dothan City School Board will hold its bi-weekly meeting up for discussion is the option of closing P.A.S.S Academy next Monday. This comes after proration hit 11 percent leaving Dothan city schools short five-and-a-half million dollars.

The school principal and other employees at PASS Academy are remaining tight lipped on the issue as they wait to see what happens next. Some have told News 4 off camera that they hate to see this happen to the school and the students.

"A lot of people are going to be losing their jobs" says Pastor Kenneth Glasgow of the Ordinary People’s Society.

It is not old news for Dothan city schools, money is tight and closing PASS Academy could save the system close to half a million dollars.

"Those teachers- and the principal- Mr. Brooks at P.A.S.S Academy made great progress" says Glasgow

If PASS Academy does close, some teachers and employees could be moved to open positions in other schools while the students may be put into an "optional" academy after hours.

Some feel this alternative may not work well.

"If we are losing our children- are you going to put money before our children's future? If these children are placed back in regular schools, that we are going to see the same disciplinary problems and special education problems the same problems that P.A.S.S Academy was created for".

Pastor Glasgow and a team of others are passing around a petition to help save the school.

The group plans on attending the school board meeting on Monday and others are expected to help with the cause.

"I think it’s a shame because these children need a second chance and PASS Academy is doing a brilliant job" says Diana Floyd of Dothan.

"It's done a great thing in our community and these children need something like Pass academy - it’s their last chance and we don't need to throw them away. We need to find a place for them and hopefully we can work something out" says Dothan Mayor Elect Mike Schmitz.

Superintendent Dr. Sam Nichols was busy on Friday so he was unavailable for comment but News 4 are expecting to have more information from school officials on Monday at the board meeting.


4Warn Weatherfrom Touchstone Energy Cooperative
5day
5-DAY
temp
TEMPS
Interactive Radar
INTERACTIVE RADAR

Thursday Chilly early!... Morning low 38... Sunshine through midday... Clouds returning late... Windy and ...More Details

Warnings & Watches | Text Alerts | Email Forecasts

Moms Everyday
Valentines Day Contest
Where to Watch
  • WTVY
  • WTVY2
  • WTVY3
Connect with WTVY Text Alerts Mobile Site Desktop Alert Mobile Apps RSS Feeds Enews Twitter Facebook
Buddy Check 4
WTVY.com Features
Get the ingredients you need to cook with Rach all week long.
Today's Hits, Classics & Soaps. Don't miss an episode.
Full length exclusive concerts from hot artists.
Fitness Tips
Lose Weight, Get Fit with Michele
Take a break!
Classic Pacman, Frogger, Asteroids and more.
FREE Listings
Sell almost anything locally.
In Partnership with AL.com