Never Gonna Change Some People's Minds

Last night I was part of a forum held my our local school district.  They had invited about 100 people from all over the district to consider the areas of focus that drive the district's educational efforts and apply two questions in their regards:  What evidences have I seen of these areas of focus?  And, What evidences would I like to see?

Basically, they were asking what we had each observed in our local schools and throughout the district in terms of teacher quality, comprehensive curriculum, leadership, school and district culture, community relations, resources, and student achievement.  And then, what we'd LIKE to see in each of these areas.

If I had carried a weapon, I might have gone postal before the evening was over.  I'm not sure whop got tagged to come voice their opinions, but aside form the 8 or so PTA colleagues I saw and a few I know sit on the school- or district community councils, the majority seemed to be the pot-stirrers in the county that want to cause trouble with the district at every turn.  Their responses were narrow and politically led with their ultra conservative views.

What I mean is these are the kind of folks that don't want the schools to include sex-ed, drug education, or even mental health information in a health class or biology class.  They won't join PTA because they (wrongly) believe the national component of the organization lobbies the Feds for GLTB rights. They don't want any Common Core or to take any money from the Federal government because everything is a conspiracy to have President Obama run our local schools into the ground.  And, apparently, after listening to three of these types at my table last night, the only kids that matter are the high achieving, Gifted & Talented, highly motivated kids.

Well, I hope they NEVER get any child who doesn't fit that profile.  If they do, that child may well enough end up another uni-bomber or postal clerk that lets loose.

I came home grateful to represent a little more of the mainstream (and wider minded) folks in the area.  I am grateful to know the organization wherein I serve speaks for ALL children, and not just the specially anointed ones.  I am grateful for a school district who, at least on the surface, seek out the views of their patrons--no matter who crazy they are. and I am grateful that I have seen our educational system from both the inside and the outside and can speak realistically to what is actually happening there.

And although we are the lowest per pupil spending district in the lowest per pupil spending state, our kids do amazingly well.  I know that can't last, but my kids are getting a really great education--and taking advantage of that.  And if mine are, then others might be too.