Throughout this whole process, I have received an education in how a school board and school district administration can choose to interact with those they are elected and hired to represent.  And perhaps my assumption that those that are leaders in our schools, district, and community would act with transparency, inclusivity, etc. before pushing and making decisions that impact all of us, perhaps that is my fault. But I have had to question whether they do actually represent their stakeholder’s interests and needs in action, and not just their “interpretations” or “understandings” (read personal agendas) as to what constitutes the community’s “best” interest.

I am NOT saying or claiming to know “the right way” to “manage” a district or objectively make decisions that impact huge numbers of people.  However, I do know that as a member of this community, the way this situation has been handled does not sit right with me.  I believe that there can and should be equitable collaboration and communication between parents/students, district officials, and school board members.  Aren’t these the types of relationships and interactions we look for one-on-one with our student’s teachers and individual schools’ administration and staff? Why then, would we accept something different from others with more influence and power?

What is the answer?  I don’t know.  I do know, though, that in the hiring of a new superintendent, and in the face of the challenges that our community and district will face due to budget issues, etc., we as community members have an opportunity.  Though this situation, regrettably, has not represented, included, or accessed the wealth of resources that our community has (people, ideas/options, funds, support, etc.), I do believe that we have an opportunity to insist that our opinions count and should be reflected in district decisions.  Because bottom line, those decisions affect OUR CHILDREN.

If schools exist to meet the needs of their students, shouldn’t that responsibility and right extend to all students, in all schools?  My child shouldn’t be forced to “be adaptable” when the very situation that created that supposed need to be adaptable was outside of their control, their teachers’ control, their administrations’ control, and their school’s control.  Where are the stories about what our children are feeling and experiencing—because those do have value and should be acknowledged.  This tragedy is NOT something to put behind us, it is a part of all of us now—it is a part of my child’s experiences and identity—and that should mean something.

Again, I don’t have an answer.  But I have to believe that a district/board members should remember that they represent and impact the lives of actual people.  We are not, our students, teachers, and administration are not faceless numbers meant to help balance a budget.