EDITOR: Over the past several years, many have promoted caution
and the closer examination of district direction to our school
board members. The issues involve curricular changes, expansion,
leadership and finances.
EDITOR:
Over the past several years, many have promoted caution and the closer examination of district direction to our school board members. The issues involve curricular changes, expansion, leadership and finances.
The standard response from our trustees has been unwillingness to “micromanage.” Instead, what the community has gotten has been no management at all. The direction of our community’s schools has been left completely to the hands of a district office administration that has no representatives from our community.
Our school board of elected local representatives has not exercised their authority nor have they fulfilled their duty to represent the community’s wishes or look out for the community’s welfare. Confidence, morale, community relations, employee relations, financial outlook, and the perception and reputation of our school district are at an all-time low. A great many community members have had enough – it is time for a change.
The last board election saw a dramatic turn around by opposition candidates capturing three of four seats. What should have been seen as a loud public outcry for change has instead degraded into a stagnant impasse where the old guard’s 4-3 majority passes most important decisions. The continuing loyalty to the administration’s misguided vision is rapidly bringing this school district to the brink of catastrophe.
Sentiments towards employee votes of “no confidence” are gaining momentum. Job actions such as work slowdown or even impasse and strike are being viewed as possible for next fall. Loss of enrollment to private schools continues as community members become disenchanted with our local schools.
The district is facing financial ruin not due to the state’s economy, but to the administration’s insistence of duplicating programs at two high schools on the heels of cutting programs at one. Lack of trust in the district’s educational agenda both by the community and by the teaching staff has been loudly demonstrated. And finally, gathering momentum in the community we see a recall effort under way.
The fact that a whole lot of people have been forced to spend a whole lot of effort fulfilling a role that our trustees are supposed to fulfill is apparent. Wouldn’t it be nice if our teachers could teach, our managers could manage and our students could learn in an environment where there is trust, respect and a positive outlook.
Our trustees must act as referees and monitor the process to insure integrity. And sadly, integrity is lacking in virtually every issue that anyone takes the time to investigate.
Glenn Webb,
Live Oak High School teacher
