Several Dallas County schools, and one Selma city school, were recently branded “failing” by the Alabama Board of Education. And while this label should serve as a red flag to county and city school administrators, I don’t think it means our school systems aren’t trying thier best to provide quality education for our children.

After covering multiple Dallas County Board of Education meetings, I can testify with certainty that “the decision makers” for Dallas County schools truly do have the best interest in mind for its students.

In their last meeting, Dallas County Schools Superintendent Fannie McKenzie addressed the county’s four schools that were labeled failing, which include Brantley Elementary, Keith Middle-High School, Southside High School and Tipton Middle School. If there’s any question whether the board tries hard to provide quality education to Dallas County students, McKenzie said she would be willing to go to the White House, stand on the President’s desk and say, “We work hard in Dallas County for our students.”

I couldn’t agree more with McKenzie. We have some great leaders behind Dallas County Schools — leaders who often go the extra mile to make sure students are given the best opportunities with often limited resources. However, I do believe there are many root causes to why our schools are repeatedly labeled failing — causes that unfortunately are out of the hands of school officials.

In response to Vice Chairman of the Dallas County Board of Education Mark Story, who recently voiced his opinion on why several county schools were labeled failing — yes, I do believe much of the blame lies within the homes of students. A valuable education should not solely lie on the shoulders of the school system. Parents also play a large role in providing a sound education for their children — if not more than teachers and school officials.

Saying several county schools are “failing” reflects poorly on the community. Are our children being raised in homes that foster a nurturing environment that promotes learning? Are parents playing an active role in their children’s education? These are questions that must be answered, and if the answer is no then some serious changes need to be made.

You can blame it on society, the government or poor social standards but either way, there’s no denying that change needs to be made in the homes of our children.

The school system, from what I’ve witnessed, is already doing their part. Now is the time to examine what goes on once children leave the classroom, and who is failing to do their part on the home front.