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Central forum
The public forum Thursday centering on security problems surrounding Central Middle School was mostly constructive.
If the people who offered to be part of the solution follow through with their pledges -- and others join with them -- more positives than negatives will result.
It’s unfortunate that Central Middle is at the center of the storm because the school is making strides to get better. It was named a School of Distinction last year.
We’ve been to many forums where emotions run high and there’s more finger-pointing and bickering than fruitful debate. Thursday’s night featured the latter.
Those attending the debate heard that churches, especially those in the African-American community, want to get involved. That’s a positive. Judge Ola Lewis says she will lead a charge to meet with gang members. A number of people seemed more than willing to follow.
People also heard that there needs to be more parental involvement and volunteerism at the school. This is certainly doable and we believe volunteers will respond if called upon.
Much needs to be done to control gangs and ensure school security. A return to community policing and more patrols near the school are two obvious pieces to the puzzle, but the situation around Central didn’t happen overnight and won’t be solved overnight by police action only.
Fortunately, the tenor of the forum Thursday set a positive tone. Some in the general public may see the situation as hopeless. We believe, however, the recent problems in the neighborhood offer an opportunity to turn bad into good.
Public input and forums like the one Thursday are necessary, but success will be achieved only if words are put into action.