THOMASVILLE — Many concerns, including those from students, were expressed Tuesday night to Thomasville City school board members. 

In a packed board meeting room, a number of current Thomasville High School students questioned different opportunities for THS and Scholars Academy students. 

“Why do we have to travel to another school to get advanced education that we should have here on campus?” student Shamorria Davis asked. 

Senior Naomi Toles also questioned opportunities offered to Scholars students compared to Thomasville High students, adding she feels Scholars Academy students have more flexibility. 

“If we’re one school, then why do we have two of everything?” Toles asked. 

Senior Cortazia Dent said she feels THS students have not been as exposed to scholarship opportunities like Scholars Academy students have. 

“I feel like I am not ready for college and some of my classmates do, too,” she said. 

Chanel Williams, also a senior, asked why Thomasville High students have “certain rules” that Scholars students do not have, such as hallway sweeps and different forms of discipline. 

Tiffany Joseph, another THS student, asked why Scholars Academy students do not pay for school lunch but Thomasville High students do. Joseph said she has a sister who attends Scholars Academy. 

“We’re supposed to be a united school, right?” she asked board members.  

Morris Arrington, a former city school principal, expressed concern with a recent decision not to renew THS Principal Chip Clatto’s contract, and said Clatto was “not given enough time” as principal. 

“These actions we have witnessed this month are truly disappointing,” he said to the school board.  

Parent Ucher Dent said she feels there is a lack of inclusiveness in the city school district and said consolidating the schools would stop division. 

“We need answers now; we’ve waited too long,” she said. 

Thomas County NAACP President Lucinda Brown also said she feels there is segregation among the schools. 

“The set-up totally needs to change,” she added. 

Other concerns expressed included the Academic Recovery Center and the city schools’ enrollment policy for students in and out of the district. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.