Settlement over MPS schools reached between state, AEA

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - After holding a joint press conference Tuesday, the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Education Association have reached a settlement over Montgomery Public Schools Wednesday afternoon.

The two sides announced they were working on a settlement in a joint press conference Tuesday.

Under the settlement, one of the MPS schools that was originally closing will remain open, Georgia Washington Middle School will be sold to the Town of Pike Road, and current students at Georgia Washington zoned for Park Crossing High School will still attend Park Crossing next year.

Another part of the settlement includes the Town of Pike Road establishing a public park around Ms. Washington's gravesite, which is located on the campus of the school. But should Pike Road decide it no longer wants the school and decides to sell it, it must offer it back to MPS.

"The final agreement in this case should address the concerns of those who are worried about the future of the Georgia Washington campus. Should Pike Road decide in the future that it no longer wishes to operate a school on the property and is prepared to sell it, Pike Road must offer MPS the opportunity to buy it back at fair market value," said AEA Executive Director Theron Stokes. "We think this is an equitable solution that addresses Pike Road's immediate needs and the concerns of those deeply invested in preserving Ms. Washington's legacy."

Tuesday Town of Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone voiced his pleasure after hearing the details of the settlement.

Another part of the settlement says there will be no outsourcing of any school support services next school year.

There will be meetings held to discuss the new school zonings May 31 at Park Crossing, June 4 at Carver High School, and June 7 at Lee High School.

Copyright 2018 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.