Levy Comments

[John Davis <jcdavis@uidaho.edu>]

I too am concerned with comments by French in the MDN and Danahy on the 
vision listserve, and am disturbed for several reasons.

First, French calls for 'efficient' schools, based I suppose on some sort 
of efficient factory-production model.  Well, we just can't do that very 
easily with people; especially given the mandate of American public 
education: a comprehensive successful educational experience for all 
students in a safe, non-threatening environment.  It is no small feat to 
accomplish this task, given the multitude of variables our professional 
educators manage (ranging from learning styles and abilities to concerns 
over issues which socially impact their students).  While I agree that 
there are some fiscal parameters that our district can and will examine 
from a cost-effective standpoint (technology, transportation, energy 
consumption, etc.) AND knowing that the majority of funds are committed to 
salaries I, and I am sure many others, are quite content with paying an 
additional tax of $.50 to $1.00 per day to ensure that we retain small 
class sizes and the supportive, nurturing environment that is enabled by 
such schools.  Keep students in schools within their respective 
neighborhoods. . . and if we have some variation between schools, 
departments, and grade levels regarding class size, so be it.

Second, Danahy claims that our schools are not effective. . . and even 
"stoops so low" (to use his words) to engage in accusations against a very 
professional group of individuals--yes, our community teachers.  You state 
strong opinions, but they appear to be just that--baseless opinions, not 
positions supported by evidence.  Speaking of evidence, where is 
yours?  Even a shred?  Have you interviewed and categorized all the parents 
and children who attend schools other than MSD?  Do you examine test 
scores, both standardized and pencil-and-paper?  Are you familiar with the 
post-graduate success rate of our students in business, industry, 
vocational programs or college?  Are you at all familiar with what our 
children can do?  Are you even remotely aware of the quality environment 
our children have in this lovely, provincial community?  I suspect not.  I 
am not even going to portray my children's experiences, although, suffice 
to say that it is far more positive than your account. . . AND my children 
had experience with MSD and a local private school.  It seems as though you 
harbor some hostility regarding the teachers. . . yes, there is an apparent 
long-standing 'issue' between the MSD and trustees. . . but, it is time to 
grow up.  I expect my current, future, and past trustees to be professional 
in every sense of the word.  Resentment of the past can only lead to 
continued conflict in the future.

I am proud of all of our community schools. . . ALL of them.  They are 
staffed by well-educated, well-meaning, bright, articulate professionals 
who work hard to help us help our children be successful in any and all 
endeavors they choose.  Do they make mistakes?  Of course.  Do 
I?  You?  Yes, we all do.  However, it is our responsibility to learn from 
our mistakes and move forward.

John Davis