Another Day in 113a Paradise.

Here we go again.  It has been brought to my attention by a ton of yard signs,  and very little press, that there is another school board election for 113a on April 9.(You can vote early now)  None of us really knows how and why people decide to join a school board.  Early in my career I was told that people join school boards because they have political aspirations.  While this may be true, I don’t believe that to be the case here in our small town.

I also believe boards are better served when there is no conflict of interest.  It is my opinion that parents should not be board members.  I stand by that opinion.  But let’s get real.  Parents want to be board members because they see poor decisions, they see their children suffer and for the most part they wish to see their children’s education flourish.

That said, I can’t endorse one set of candidates in my writing, as I believe it would push my own agenda forward.  Remind me to tell you what my agenda is, though.

Let’s get down to the brass tax.  It is absolutely ridiculous for any school board to choose an improvement in technology over lowering the class size.  Or to put a new roof on a building that they have currently closed.    It is absolutely ridiculous to make any capital improvements.  And if I hear one more time how the school is no longer in the red – and how the board is doing such a great job with money management – I offer this.  The teachers in district 113a did not get a raise.  They had their class sizes increased from 28 to 40 students.  I mean, have YOU ever taken attendance for that many students?  Do you know by the time a teacher takes attendance the class period is half over?  Not to mention all the kids with ADD and ADHD added into the mix.  I mean, did we have that ratio of trouble in our schools when we were kids?  And please, I don’t wish to hear from you, if you are going to tell me about how important special needs kids are.  THEY ARE.  This comment refers to the teachers who are having to deal with these students in huge classes.  The teachers saved the district a lot of money.  The teachers have the brunt of the work.  Please, forego the technology and capital improvements.

Ironically?  I am a technology trends professor.  I don’t think any funds should be put toward technology.  Ironcially?  My agenda is pretty simple.   My daughter goes to a nice Catholic school here in town. So, I have no agenda. I don’t use the public school.  People absolutely HATE when I say it.  But I will.  Public schools are set up to educate the masses.  They are set up to teach the average student, average content, with average material.  They are legally obligated to provide services for all.   Catholic schools have their own issues.  Trust me.  

Wake up and vote your conscious and look around.  Pick your side.  They will all tell you they wish to have lower class sizes.   But ask them about the capital improvements.  Ask them about their endorsement for capital improvement and improving technology.     And then, only then, will you get your answer.