Hence the construction. Now black children who have borne the brunt of forced busing are being given the chance to stay closer to home. Whether proposed programs at the three new schools are appropriate to black students' needs or if requirements for entry into those programs will keep many black children out - concerns some black community members and a committee set up to try to ensure all students are treated equally. Additionally, no school may have more than a 42 percent black student population until the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. A survey being sent next week to Pinellas parents will describe those attractors, including those the district is considering for the new south St. Petersburg schools.
Some schools already have attractors.
At others, principals, parents and school staffers worked to choose and fashion ones appropriate to their areas. But at the new south St. Petersburg schools, district officials picked the proposed attractors. A fundamental program, which stresses strict student discipline and dress, is being floated for the middle school. The committee, successor to the Bi-racial Committee, monitors implementation of the student assignment plan. It also wanted to offer input.