There’s not much of a consensus as to when and where the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” originated. Although many believe it’s a southern term that’s been around for decades, the first printed reference to it appears to have come from a newspaper in Texas – Big Spring Herald – back in 1976 as it actually used it in context with a statement made by an “old Georgia Farmer.”

 

While there may be debate or lack of consensus as to the origin of the phrase, there’s less of a debate and more of a consensus when it comes to the educational program currently in place at Bridgeport High School. Even the most jaded of individuals would have to admit that “it ain’t broke.”

 

BHS is the state’s top WestTest school. ACT scores are through the roof. It’s been an Exemplary School for every single year the program has been in place – the only school in the state to do be able to claim that distinction – and so much more. No, the education process at Bridgeport High School certainly isn’t broke.

 

This past Tuesday, however, it appeared as if the Harrison County Board of Education was going to try and fix what wasn't broken. I say appear, because there’s certainly more to what took place than simply saying “we don’t like what Bridgeport High School is doing and we’re going to change it.” Rather, there was a recommendation from Superintendent Susan Collins to turn down a waiver that would allow Bridgeport High School to continue doing things as they have been doing them, which differs from what the state calls for.

 

Before anyone opts to throw Collins under a bus, understand issues involving the educational process and the procedures often mandated by the state aren’t black and white. And usually, there are well more than 50 shades of grey involved.

 

In a nutshell, Bridgeport High School’s academic program is more rigorous, more demanding than what the state calls for. The superintendent’s position is that there needs to be room for electives to broaden students’ interests that falls in line with what the state requires.

 

Before I get to the key issue here – and there’s one coming – it was an extremely wise move by Board member David Sturm to table whether to grant or deny the waiver as presented this past week. It’s wise because if a fair and reasonable middle ground can be reached, then that is where things should head at worst.  And, heck, maybe it’s a matter of modifying the existing waiver into something that all can agree upon.

 

But let me be very clear as to why every single parent with a student in Bridgeport High School or one who will have kids there in the future should be watching this, and watching it closely. A drastic change to what’s in place at Bridgeport High School would be educational poison. I’m not saying that a fair solution can’t be reached, but I am saying to deviate widely from the course BHS has chosen for educational purposes to something else would be like getting off the Autobahns and driving along the section of Johnson Avenue being reconfigured near Sheetz and saying it’s a similar ride.

 

In a state where the educational system consistently finds itself ranked at or near the bottom of all the national rankings, it would be beyond counterproductive to take a school that arguably is the top academic high school in the state and tell it you can’t do it like you’re doing it. While those suggesting the change aren’t saying “you’re doing it wrong,” the perception for making a change will come across as such.

The thing that everyone needs to realize is that Bridgeport High School isn’t asking for an exception to get to someplace easier than other schools. Rather, Bridgeport High School is asking to be held to a higher standard. BOE President Mike Queen correctly pointed that out during last week’s meeting.

 

No matter the argument or reasoning behind recommending or potentially denying a waiver request, the fact that those with the necessary clout at BHS have opted to hold our youth to a higher standard is to be lauded. Even more important is that what BHS has done as far as higher standards (I've been told the more aggressive educational approach goes back to some time in the 1990s) with their educational process is working.

 

Not just working somewhat. Not just working OK. It’s working fabulously. The results are indisputable.

 

Because of that, Sturm should be commended for asking that this be given some more thought. Simply dismissing what’s been accomplished academically at Bridgeport High School – for whatever reason – without trying to find an alternative is a disservice to the students, the teachers, the parents and the community as a whole. Collectively, the students, teachers, parents and community have turned Bridgeport High School’s academic footprint into the gold standard statewide.

 

And make no mistake, the fact that the Bridgeport school system is a system that’s getting it done right has benefits beyond the classroom. It’s something looked at by developers and it’s something that’s looked at by parents who are concerned about the education of their children who are looking to move to the area. In the grand scheme of things, that issue shouldn't be of concern to the elected BOE, but it should be of concern to every person with a business or real estate stake in Bridgeport.

 

What will eventually be determined will be huge. Parents, you should pay attention. Business owners should be watching too. The impacts on looking at fixing what ain’t broke could have long-term consequences when the Harrison County Board of Education revisits this Feb. 5.

 

Perhaps Collins has an answer that can modify the waiver to an extent that higher standards remain and the issues that meet her reccommended concerns are also addressed. For now, I’m betting Collins, her staff, and the elected members of the Board of Education – whom I’ve said before and I’ll say again, are all good people – eventually find the correct path where everyone wins.