A small group of Fulton residents met with School Board member Keith West and veteran civic activist Art Burton to begin a new surge in the campaign to build a new elementary school in Fulton. Mr. Burton urged the group to step up local participation in the Build Schools Now initiative, including attendance at the School Board meeting this coming Monday, Nov. 5 at 6pm at City Hall, and a public rally planned for Nov. 26th.

Why build an elementary school in Fulton?

• Geography -  Fulton is an isolated bulge on the eastern edge of the city.  Historically, the area was served by  2 elementary schools.  The former Fulton Elementary School is described elsewhere on this site.  There was also once an elementary school in the vanished Fulton neighborhood at the bottom of the hill.  More public services in this area, particularly a school, will enhance the community and make it feel more like part of the city.
• Children - According to the 2000 census, there are more than 1500 people in the Fulton area under the age of 15, more than enough to support a local school.
• Land - A parcel of a little more than 7 acres of land adjacent to Gillie’s Creek Park, owned by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, is available to build the school.  Over the years, other uses have been proposed for the land and proponents of the school need to make their case soon.
• Opportunity for change - Part of the process of working for a new school is a discussion of what sort of school the community wants.  Public Montessori (briefly explained below)?  Grades K through 8 in the same building?  What size school is best? Magnet program or primarily Fulton residents?  If the community remains silent, these decisions will be made by “consultants” and politicians.

What is public Montessori?  Maria Montessori was an Italian physician who began a preschool for disadvantaged children in the early 20th century.  Through years of observation, she developed a system of early education emphasizing independent activities with carefully designed, 3 dimensional materials.  There are thousands of Montessori schools around the world and more than 500 American public schools use Montessori methods.

How can I participate? 

• Write, call or e-mail your City Council members, Mayor Wilder, and School Board members and let them know your opinions about the Richmond school system.
• Petitions in favor of a school for Fulton will be available at the Neighborhood Resource Center.
• Join the PTA at your child’s school.
• Support the Build Schools Now campaign.
• Use this website to express your opinions.