Thank you for covering the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts in your publication and for mentioning our recent grant award (“City's First Charter School Faces ADA, Fundraising Dilemma,” Street Talk, Sept. 16). The facts in the story were right on, but one of the quotes from school board representative Kim Gray was misleading. She said she is not in support of Patrick Henry if “[administrators] were forced to take money out of the ADA funds we get from the city to bring that building into compliance.” Gray has nothing to worry about on that score. The contract with the public schools specifically states that the costs of making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act must be borne by Patrick Henry. In fact, I believe the former board chairman, George Braxton, saw this as a win-win item, saying something along the line of if the school succeeds, so much the better; if not, then the public schools get a compliant facility at no cost. We are having the Patrick Henry building assessed right now and look forward to announcing our renovation plans at our open house on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m. at the Patrick Henry building. Deb Butterworth President, Board of Directors Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts
"Exposure to early adversity, particularly dire poverty, can powerfully shape the life course of a young person. As a city and region, we continually choose whether we’ll commit ourselves to an alternative course."
The ease, convenience and potential anonymity of online petitions and other such expressions have deluded too many into believing they actually have taken action.
Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation.
We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people. We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions.