Is it growing pains or is something terribly wrong with the state’s new competencies policy?

The Bedford High School has just completed its first year as a new school with a new administration, teachers and guidance counselors. We, as many other residents and possibly school district members expected some problems that needed to be ironed out, but why is about 20 percent of the student body in summer school?

All schools in the state are expected to begin the competencies policy this year, but as a new school, Bedford started early. Some students may be at summer school to catch up, some failed their classes, but others who have a B-minus in a course, but didn’t pass a certain criteria, are expected to spend a few weeks in class.

Not only does this cause problems in many families who had summer plans, it also taxes the school budget. And that directly affects every resident who pays property taxes. According to school officials, students had a chance to catch up on competencies during the year. Was it a miscommunication between parents, students and administrators?

There are many questions to the issue that need to be addressed before the 2008-09 school year begins.

The state needs to take a step back and look at how schools are performing under the new system. And if the state does not address the matter, Bedford school officials must do all they can to make sure students get the help they need during the year.

- Editorials published by Neighborhood News Inc. are written by an editorial board.

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