Albertville City, Decatur, and Baldwin County schools have added new magnet schools to their systems. Could Fort Payne City Schools be next? Fort Payne High School Assistant Principal Jackie Jennings presented the magnet school idea to the Fort Payne City School Board members during their November 21 meeting.

A magnet school is a public school that offers a specialized curriculum focusing on a particular theme or area of study to attract students from different backgrounds. Jennings explained that Fort Payne’s vision is to create a magnet school that would prepare students with the academic knowledge and workforce skills needed to enter the workforce immediately after graduation instead of attending a two—or four-year college. Jennings said this school would appeal to about 40% of the school’s population.

Jennings added that since the magnet school would have fewer students than the high school (250 is the goal), the individual student’s schedule could be designed to meet the student’s particular needs, desires, and career aspirations. If the vision becomes a reality, the students would have access to the same career tech classes offered at the main campus, and they will also have access to classes at the DeKalb County Technology Center and the Northeast Alabama Workforce Development Center. Core academic classes taught at the magnet school would teach the required state standards, but they would also have workforce development skills integrated into the curriculum.

Local businesses would provide input into what particular skills are needed for employment in their operations for teachers to consider when planning courses. Students would also be given the option of earning credentials in career/technical fields, taking virtual classes, and completing semesters early to enter the workforce. Another advantage mentioned was access to English/Language learning support that could potentially allow students to earn a Bilingual seal on their diploma, certifying they are proficient in two languages.

Jennings said if students chose to attend the new school, they could opt out at the end of any semester to return to the high school. They would also be eligible to play sports offered at the main campuses. She emphasized that the students earning the required credits would be Fort Payne High School graduates. There would still be only one graduation ceremony for all Fort Payne High School graduates each year.

Superintendent Jett also spoke to the Board and answered questions about the proposal. He explained that this presentation was just the first step in the process. He said the system plans to hold several parent meetings after the first of the year to get public input and answer questions. His goal is to have the new school opened in the next school year. The new school, if approved by the board, will be housed at Williams Avenue in the space recently vacated by the Fort Payne Police Department.

Courtesy of Mountain Valley News.