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My family had 3 generations attend Benson.   It’s strength was its ability to prepare young men and women for a trade.  I applaud Carol Smith for making tough choices yet retaining the core of what Benson has stood for. 

As I approach my 30^th reunion at the school, I think back on the shops and the disciple and the skills we learned during my Junior and Senior years.  Under the new plan a student can have a robust learning experience at their neighborhood school and then go to Benson to learn a trade. It would great if we had the 88k students of days gone by. But we don’t and I think this plan has struck a nice balance moving forward.  

The new plan allows all students, city wide to get a world-class education.   It is not lowering the bar as NCLB unintentionally did.   I think this new system can fairly prepare students for college or a trade moving forward.   I hope people keep the students, the curriculum and preparing them for the future in mind and don’t focus on the tough trade offs (ie Building or losses). 

posted 3 years ago
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