EDITOR: I don
’t have any kids in school, but I care about the schools and
comprehend the total impact that a school system has on our city.
That is why we need to have a reasoned and rational discussion
about our schools, what we want them to be and how we can work to
achieve that goal.
EDITOR:
I don’t have any kids in school, but I care about the schools and comprehend the total impact that a school system has on our city. That is why we need to have a reasoned and rational discussion about our schools, what we want them to be and how we can work to achieve that goal.
A hint: We won’t get there in the current climate.
Morgan Hill isn’t unique. School systems all over the country are faced with declining enrollments, increasing construction and maintenance costs, and tightening tax bases. Concerned parents, teachers and community leaders are all seeking ways to improve education, serve an increasingly diverse student body, provide the programs and experiences parents want for their children, keep committed teachers employed and paid a living wage. The challenge is to coordinate the varied approaches so that goals are reached.
It is a frustrating time to be a school administrator, a school board member or a parent. From my perspective, it seems like everyone is talking, no make that shouting – and no one is listening.
It appears that school system administrators have made some mistakes and are tone deaf to the concerns of the community. The school board has become increasingly dysfunctional, almost cleanly split between those members who support the administration and those who would like to make a change. There is merit on each side.
There will be an election for school board members in November – 10 months from now. Holding a recall vote just four months sooner, is simply window dressing for the dissension.
It is also time for the poisonous atmosphere that now permeates school board meetings to be put aside. The factions must listen to each other, learn to communicate effectively in quieter tones and dispense with the threats of retaliation.
The students and the community of Morgan Hill deserve nothing less.
David Cohen, Morgan Hill
