Why John Danahy will vote no and why Linda Pall probably will not...

["Linda Pall" <lpall@moscow.com>]

Dear John and Visionaries,

 

I was troubled to read John's message about Thursday's school district levy for several reasons. I respect his long service on the school board and his commitment to our community's children. When he tells us that he will vote no, I pay attention. I am concerned as well that the reserves have been gradually spent down and little public discussion has occurred about the fiscal future, given this situation. Involve us in the conversation, make us part of the recommendation process, educate us so that our budgetary situation is more transparent and easier to understand.

 

I am also concerned that we have not recognized the exodus of students and the lack of increase in student population and all that this condition means. I am exceptionally concerned that the DIstrict is considering placing Russell School on some sort of 'surplus list' like some kind of old desk and chair that no longer fit our notion of interior furnishings. Don't even ask me about the high school discussion: I begin to snap, crackle and pop like my breakfast cereal.

 

So there's plenty to be doubtful about and plenty to question right now. But I still support our schools and will probably vote for this levy, if only because the District needs the money to deal with the present financial problems and time to undertake the public dialogue that will be essential to review and revise our budgetary priorities and do this in the interest of our children and with due regard for our educators.

 

What was most serious to me about John's posting was the disspiriting account of his own family's experience with education in our school system.

 

I want to give you another perspective. My son, Zach, went through the District from 1981 to 1993 (perhaps the only child in the District who could get up at 8:15 AM and be on time for his 6th grade class at Russell, thanks to careful placement of the school, our home, his bedroom, the toaster and his classroom). He had wonderful, inspiring teachers as a rule, not an exception, teachers who knew they had a little sponge in front of them, ready to soak it all up and ask for more. They provided it, worked with our family and the result was a young student who looked at learning as a constant adventure that was beckoning.

 

One of the real highlights was the understanding and insight that junior high principal (later superintendent) Chuck Sutton supplied when Zach decided he did not want to go to junior high at all for a variety of reasons, most of which were connected to being a young teenager. Zach and all of us, the District included, got through it and verve for school buildings returned, especially as he kissed the door knobs of the high school as tenth grade began. In high school, Zach was challenged, cajoled, and encouraged to seek the highest, the best, the outer limits, indeed the new and different by his high school teachers. Sure, there were some who were more inspired than others but I doubt there were many who would exceed Steve Norton in science or Connie Hall and Sandra Lambacher who were committed to Zach and his buddies who were part of the GT program or Adrian Guertsen who consistently brought challenge and creativity to the social sciences.

 

Zach has gone on to do very well in higher education at one of the elite liberal arts colleges and in graduate school in the Ivy League and Yes, he now has a real job! There are lots of similar stories out there from his class and the classes around him. Are we winners with every child? Alas, no. But my observations suggest that educators still try and make some heroic efforts for their charges. I'm so sorry to hear such distressing news of John's experiences.

 

Please think twice before deciding what to say about this levy. I hope people will take a strong stand for greater and more inclusive participation in the decision making in this school district, no matter what the fate of this Thursday's levy is.

 

All the best,

Linda