As tax payers, as parents, as members of this community the state of our public schools is under our watch. That is a huge responsibility. What are we doing to keep them innovative, open minded, and fully funded? How engaged are we in the discussion? Are we part of the decision making process? Are we just waiting for things to get worse? Then will we shout in outrage? The best way to ensure change, to keep heading in the right direction, to keep the discussion going is to stay involved.
Many of us, including myself, have been watching from the sidelines for years. We read the reports in the paper, we hear the talk at the soccer fields, the whispers at pick-up time, and might even dabble in a little online research. We enlist the help of our friends in education and ask them all of our questions. We watch them politely smile and answer those questions with tact and professionalism. Yet, we know they are holding back. These are all signs of never really getting to the bottom of things, never really making a difference.
I think that is what is so frustrating for the general public. Nothing ever really changes. Meetings are held, task forces are formed, statements are issued and we are still in the same place. There is a large group of people who would jump through hoops for some positive change. These people, including myself, are beginning to educate themselves. We are beginning to pressure leaders and remind them that status quo is no longer acceptable. We want more than just an education. We want a top notch, best of the best, quality education because that is what we want for our community.
The opt-out, although it failed, still provided us with great learning opportunities. Our community discovered just how little we actually know about the inner workings of our classrooms and district administration. It’s ok to be a confused public but it is not ok to stay that way. Take the time to understand budgets, formulas, ratios, salaries, test scores, or whatever you are passionate about when it comes to the world of education. Study it, speak about facts, share your experiences, and keep the discussion open.
This week alone there are community meetings on the budget and about our buildings. It may not seem important to attend or it may seem to you that someone else will go. It could be you just read a synopsis in the paper next week. But, what does this show our leadership? How much of a watchful eye can we keep on our schools when we are so removed from how they work? We need to ask questions, volunteer, and prove this community will stay involved regardless of budget or leadership. Good or bad we are here to stay involved and stay informed. We cannot lose sight of this goal.
Just take a look at what has happened to our schools under the watch of an uninformed public. Under our watch enriching, essential programs were cut. Under our watch major staff positions have been eliminated. Under our watch buildings are crumbling before our eyes. Under our watch meetings are being held and only a handful of people are attending. This has to change.
I urge you, go to a school board meeting and ask a question, make a statement or simply listen and take notes. Talk to a teacher, a principal, or even a student and get an idea of their world. Sit in the stands at a game or attend a performance and talk to people. Get the pulse of our schools and community. Attend a district community engagement night, and actually be engaged! Decisions aren’t being made in secret, they are being made in the open for anyone who attends to see and hear.
Attending something school related is the beginning of checks and balances. It is the beginning of meeting like-minded people. It is the beginning of manning the watchtower. There are groups doing this but we are only a handful of people. We need our whole community invested in the importance of public education. Watch the votes in Pierre, reach out to your legislator, attend meetings for the new Superintendent or buildings and share that information with others. This new found comradery is the way to inform the public. Keep talking and inspire others to join us. Come, climb into the watchtower, climb into the world of education and let’s see what will happen under our watch now.
Many of us, including myself, have been watching from the sidelines for years. We read the reports in the paper, we hear the talk at the soccer fields, the whispers at pick-up time, and might even dabble in a little online research. We enlist the help of our friends in education and ask them all of our questions. We watch them politely smile and answer those questions with tact and professionalism. Yet, we know they are holding back. These are all signs of never really getting to the bottom of things, never really making a difference.
I think that is what is so frustrating for the general public. Nothing ever really changes. Meetings are held, task forces are formed, statements are issued and we are still in the same place. There is a large group of people who would jump through hoops for some positive change. These people, including myself, are beginning to educate themselves. We are beginning to pressure leaders and remind them that status quo is no longer acceptable. We want more than just an education. We want a top notch, best of the best, quality education because that is what we want for our community.
The opt-out, although it failed, still provided us with great learning opportunities. Our community discovered just how little we actually know about the inner workings of our classrooms and district administration. It’s ok to be a confused public but it is not ok to stay that way. Take the time to understand budgets, formulas, ratios, salaries, test scores, or whatever you are passionate about when it comes to the world of education. Study it, speak about facts, share your experiences, and keep the discussion open.
This week alone there are community meetings on the budget and about our buildings. It may not seem important to attend or it may seem to you that someone else will go. It could be you just read a synopsis in the paper next week. But, what does this show our leadership? How much of a watchful eye can we keep on our schools when we are so removed from how they work? We need to ask questions, volunteer, and prove this community will stay involved regardless of budget or leadership. Good or bad we are here to stay involved and stay informed. We cannot lose sight of this goal.
Just take a look at what has happened to our schools under the watch of an uninformed public. Under our watch enriching, essential programs were cut. Under our watch major staff positions have been eliminated. Under our watch buildings are crumbling before our eyes. Under our watch meetings are being held and only a handful of people are attending. This has to change.
I urge you, go to a school board meeting and ask a question, make a statement or simply listen and take notes. Talk to a teacher, a principal, or even a student and get an idea of their world. Sit in the stands at a game or attend a performance and talk to people. Get the pulse of our schools and community. Attend a district community engagement night, and actually be engaged! Decisions aren’t being made in secret, they are being made in the open for anyone who attends to see and hear.
Attending something school related is the beginning of checks and balances. It is the beginning of meeting like-minded people. It is the beginning of manning the watchtower. There are groups doing this but we are only a handful of people. We need our whole community invested in the importance of public education. Watch the votes in Pierre, reach out to your legislator, attend meetings for the new Superintendent or buildings and share that information with others. This new found comradery is the way to inform the public. Keep talking and inspire others to join us. Come, climb into the watchtower, climb into the world of education and let’s see what will happen under our watch now.