Boys and Girls Schools, Revamping Special Education

Schools for just boys.. or just girls.. plus wholesale changes to special education.. the man who could be Springfields next superintendent comes with some big ideas. Parents met with Walter Milton Junior this evening .. and while theyre open to change.. they want to be a part of the process. Not as packed as last nights [Wednesday] candidate forum for Deborah Wortham ... But much applause Thursday night for Walter Miltons ideas. Miltons been the superintendent in Flint, Michigan for a little under two years. Since then he says hes raised the bar ... Creating male and female academies ... Gifted schools ... And uniforms in all schools. Although some didnt take the changes lightly in Flint .... Springfield parents and educators say theyre willing to listen. "When we talk about gender schools that may not be a good environment for all children some children may thrive in an environment like that so its very important to solicit feedback." Said Superintendent Candidate, Walter Milton Jr., Ed.D "Even with the playground at school I am already thinking about do I want to have gender playgrounds? You know have the girls on one side and the boys on the other side. Its not unheard of and it might actually be a great idea." Said Fairview Elementary Principal, Shelia Boozer. As we mentioned earlier this week ... Miltons past isnt a clean a history. And Milton addressed some of the accusations which include, hiring a friend as a consultant who was accused of being a sexual predator. Those charges were dropped ... But Milton says he felt he did the right thing by forcing the consultant to resign immediately. Some of the people I talked to tonight ... Say theyre willing to look beyond that. And now the school board must make its choice ...That decision could be made at any time. But it wont be official until April 11th. The current superintendent, Diane Rutledge retires at the end of the year.