Parents Upset With Eichold-Mertz Elementary Change

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Hundreds of students that currently attend Eichold-Mertz Elementary School will soon be displaced as a Mobile County magnet school takes over the building next fall.Wednesday night at a school meeting, parents were able to ask questions about the change. It also gave the school system a chance to explain why they voted last week to move the Mobile County Magnet School of Math, Science and Technology from an elementary school in Chickasaw, to Eichold-Mertz Elementary in Mobile.Superintendent Martha Peek said Mertz's population has declined over the past three years. Only 520 students are enrolled, but the building can hold 800 students. That's why she said Mertz was the best school to take over. Because Mertz is a building than the one in Chickasaw, it gives roughly 450 additional students a chance to get into a magnet school in Mobile County. Mertz parents said they're mad about the fact that the school board made this decision without consulting with parents first. Many also say it's a big inconvenience.I'm upset mostly because we weren't informed about the change. We found out on the news like the teachers found out and I don't think it was fair, said parent Antoinetta Dubose.The majority of the schools closing are in predominately black neighborhoods. My little girl went through this last year when a different school closed so it's hard for us, said parent Demarcus Johnson.Eichold-Mertz students will be rezoned to one of five other elementary schools close by. They also have the option to apply to the magnet school, however they aren't guaranteed to get in. Students are selected by lottery to attend magnet schools.School leaders say 63 Mertz students have already applied. The deadline for the first drawing is February 28.