The Jefferson County Public School System is backtracking, after sending hundreds of students a letter informing them their race would keep them out of Pleasure Ridge Park High School.

13-year-old Chessa England received the letter, which states: “We received applications from more students than we can accommodate and still remain within the program/building capacity and racial guidelines established by the Board of Education.”

But the US Supreme Court ruled that JCPS can’t use race when determining student assignments, and Executive Director of Student Assignments, Pat Todd, calls this letter a mistake.  “Both PRP and the district deeply regret this mistake and are very sorry it happened,” she said. “It’s a case of some old letters still being out there and not being destroyed.”

She says PRP wanted to notify parents and students as soon as possible of their acceptance or denial of admission. In an effort to do so, they accidentally sent out this “outdated” letter. She says to her knowledge PRP is the only school that sent this letter and now they’re correcting the mistake by reviewing every application again. They’ll send a new letter saying whether grades, behavior or attendance played a factor in their decision.

The England family’s attorney, Teddy Gordon, doesn’t buy “the mistake” explanation. “It’s intentional. It’s the continued use of assigning students by race as they’ve done all along,” he said.   He filed a complaint and planned a lawsuit

As for Chessa, her attorney received a fax from JCPS stating she’s been accepted to PRP.  “I’m, like, ecstatic. Because I really like PRP,” said Chessa.  Chessa says she’s used to fighting for what she wants; she’s battled cancer.  “She lost a kidney and part of her lung,” said her mother Tamera.

And attending the school of her choice was not a fight she was going to lose.  “She fought for life. I’m not going to let anyone deny her opportunities based on the color of her skin,” said her mother.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for applying for your child to attend Pleasure Ridge Park High School in one of our Optional/Magnet programs.  We regret to inform you that we are not able to accept your child into the program.  We received applications from more students than we can accommodate and still remain within the program/building capacity and racial guidelines established by the Board of Education.

Your child will now be assigned to attend his/her home resides school, unless he/she has applied to a second school and has received an acceptance letter from that school.  If this is your child’s home resides school, then he/she will be attending Pleasure Ridge Park High School next year.  Thank you for your interest in Pleasure Ridge Park High School.  We wish you and your child great success as they enter high school next year.

Sincerely,

David A. Johnson

Principal

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Congratulations!  Your son/daughter has been accepted to Pleasure Ridge Park High School for the upcoming school year.  We look forward to welcoming you and your son/daughter into our P.R.P. family.

Information will be sent to you over the summer informing you of upcoming events at Pleasure Ridge Park.  You will be receiving information about registration day and panther camps.  We are looking forward to serving you and your child.  Please get involved in your child’s education.  Staying involved will help your child be more successful in high school and in life.

Sincerely,

David A. Johnson

Principal

Web story published by Chris Wright