There were tensions over interracial prom dates, then the school burnt down (it was unclear whether the Panthers or the Klan was to blame, but the smart money is on the Klan), there was something of a consent decree, and the principal was promoted to superintendent.
There are large tracts in the country that are so backwards that they cannot be improved, also because anyone capable left generations ago.
Are all schoolrooms able to absorb / taught the same state mandated curriculum though? I can imagine tons of things being skipped in more "poor/inner city" like classrooms, compared to things taught to middle class kids... (I can also imagine jaded teachers, huge commotion from the kids, etc preventing fully covering things).
