Editor:

To the citizens of Bee County,

According to information in the Bee-Pic, the Beeville ISD board is planning to discuss the possible consolidation of the four school districts in Bee County. These planned discussions have certainly caught the interest and concern of many people. Here is some information that may calm those who are concerned.

The top concern that has been expressed to me by citizens of Pettus ISD is, “Can Beeville ISD force the other schools to consolidate with them?” Most definitely the answer is no.

Discussions by the Beeville ISD board on the pros and cons of consolidation of their district with other school districts is an opportunity for them to talk about and look at what is best for the education of children in BISD and Bee County. The BISD board’s discussions may lead to them sharing their thoughts with the rest of Bee County as well as asking the other Bee County school district’s boards to join them in a discussion on the topic of consolidation. Likewise, the school boards of the other school districts in Bee County will talk about and look at what is best for the education of children in their respective school districts.

I have worked in and lived in Beeville ISD and Pettus ISD and they are both fine communities with fine school systems. I am very much a part of both and I truly want what is best for all the children in Bee County.

I am interested in hearing the Beeville ISD board’s ideas on consolidation; however, I believe the other three Bee County school districts will not be showing much if any interest. In 32 years as an educator, I have learned that one-size-fits-all thinking does not apply to schools and children. Some students thrive in large schools while others do best in small schools. I feel that the vast majority of the citizens of Pettus ISD believe the community pride and traditions that exist here along with the outstanding education provided in this small school atmosphere are best for the education of the children of Pettus ISD.

Tucker Rackley, Superintendent

Pettus ISD