Too Much Sadness: 2
I spotted 2 articles in this morning’s newspaper that also contributed to my sadness today. A member of our local school board allegedly called the principal at a school and the school’s community racist. After a surprise visit to the school and apparently after “words” between board member Chris Stewart and the principal, the principal was called to the central office where he was suspended with pay while an investigation is conducted. I don’t know exactly what happened between the two, but I can guess, having watched Stewart since he was elected. No matter what happened, how does a school board member get off calling a community racist. It is reckless and irresponsible and reprehensible. As if the schools don’t have enough to worry about and plan for due to marathon budget cuts over the last 10 years, Stewart contributed nothing to help and, in my opinion, actually delivered a serious blow to MPS. While the school district continues to hemorrhage students due to poor planning and the lack of any vision related to the 21st century, Stewart:
- made the district, administration, and board look foolish;
- sent a message that dissent, criticism, disagreement would be punished;
- robbed the students and families at the school of stability and order and education as the year closes; he alienated hundreds of people;
- and probably set in motion the departure of a principal who won praise from his community for 10 years. This last point is especially egregious because it will no doubt influence other bright educators to leave.
What a sad commentary.
Related to Stewart’s shenanigans is the article that appeared on the front page of the business section. It tells about a successful project, Project DIVA, that “attempts to connect members with speakers and mentors from business and other walks of life to help the students understand the relationship between school, work, community and success.” These wonderful young ladies have marvelous dreams. What saddens me is that they are enrolled in a charter school, a sign, I think, that MPS isn’t taking care of business. I don’t believe that these young women should have to go to a charter school to experience the success that is reported in the article. Perhaps young Mr. Stewart should be more concerned about MPS’s lack of success, imagination, and thoughtfulness and less about witch hunting.
I’ve got to go for a walk now on this lovely, windy spring day to cheer up.
