Todd Brownell: Blacktop shouldn’t be a greater priority than student learning

All decisions made by any level of the education community should take kids into account first. Our school staff has just become aware that Modesto City Schools plans to redo the blacktop at Fremont Elementary School.

Fremont Elementary has received a STEM grant for which our staff planned a project-based learning endeavor. This is in direct correlation with new Common Core Standards we are asked to follow. Our plan was to complete more planters, like the current student-built planter, around the mature trees in the playground. Instead of taking this opportunity to add water lines to the trees and planting area, the district’s plan is to rip out all the blacktop, mature trees and the student-built planter.

We have lost sight of educational responsibility when we relegate control of our educational opportunities to the maintenance division. The thought of removing all our shade protection, and replacing it with blacktop with no school staff discussion, planning or input is ludicrous. We strive to teach our students responsible civic and environmental decision making. It’s too bad the district is not capable of doing the same. Replace our blacktop, but save our trees!

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Todd Brownell: Blacktop shouldn’t be a greater priority than student learning."