A citizens group presented the Rome Board of Education with a proposal Tuesday night to create same-sex classes at some schools in hopes of raising achievement, especially amoung black males.

Representing Concerned Citizens of Rome, the Rev. Carey Ingram spoke to the board during its monthly meeting about a failure across the nation in raising black males to be productive in society.

"We have all failed miserably in bringing up our young African-American males, he said. "When we lose these kinds of men we all suffer because of it."

Ingram then asked the board to consider a three-year pilot program, starting in the 2003 school year, that would reassign students at Anna K. Davie, Southeast, North Heights and Main Elementary.

The written proposal asks for Anna K. Davie Elementary to be the site of a Boys Academy for grades four, five and six. Southeast Elementary would be a center for special needs and gifted students. Girls in grades four, five and six would be in classes at either Main or North Heights Elementary.

The plan calls for all Main and North Heights Elementary students through third grade to remain at their schools, but corresponding students at Anna K. Davie would go to North Heights Elementary, and those at Southeast would go to East Central Elementary.

"It is our belief that African-American boys, grades four, five and six, are at an age and place in their life where they need to be trained in a positive environment which strengthens their personal identity and their worth," the proposal stated.

Ingram cited statistics from several schools across the country that he said indicated an improvement in test scores and achievement after children were separated into same-sex classes.

Ingram said his largest concern is the success of young males, especially black males, who have been shown in some studies to be more likely to be suspended or expelled from school or classified with a learning disability.

The Boys Academy would help nurture young boys to be successful in society, Ingram contends.

The group would recommend the principal be a black male, and faculty of the school to be diverse, but not necessarily all male.

Superintendent Larry Atwell said he could not yet comment on the plan until it is reviewed by the board.