Jacksonville School District #117

Memo
To: From: Date:

Media Lee Hovasse, Superintendent September 19, 2012

Subject: Press Release

Last week Jacksonville School District received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that a complaint had been filed with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) alleging that the Districts closure of Franklin Elementary School discriminates against African American and multi-racial students on the basis of race. The Department of Education very clearly conveyed in its communication with the District that its purpose at this point is to investigate the complaint, and the investigation in no way implies that the allegation has any merit. Under federal law, the OCR is charged with the mission of ensuring equal access to education. The Jacksonville Board of Education and I respect the duty of the OCR to investigate complaints of discrimination. Likewise, we take our responsibility to provide a bias-free learning environment very seriously. Making a decision that has great potential for impacting community members is never easy, and the decision to close Franklin Elementary was difficult. Prior to making its decision, the Board conducted open meetings where public input was received on the topic. Since receiving notification of the allegation, Jacksonville school officials have been following the process set forth by the OCR. The Board and I are committed to an open and cooperative investigation process.