Poisoning the Water

I hesitate to weigh in on this sensitive issue, but I am making the plunge: Dover City Schools.

Yes, we are  being confronted with an additional tax levy, one designed to compensate for the factual decline of finances from the state of Ohio. As we all certainly know, any increase in our taxes is invasive, unwelcomed, and sensitive--this second levy request certainly is charged with figurative dynamite. Coupled with the current taste in many mouths is the grade leveling proposal advocated by our school board and administration. At the risk of alienation, I am offering my three cents on three topics:   

1. Board of Education

2. Grade Leveling

3. Levy Request

In so doing, I am quite aware that these topics are on the minds of many . . .perhaps it is time for my voice to be heard.

 

Dover City Schools' Board of Education: I have an ongoing respect for all who choose to serve their community, particularly those who are in elected positions. Having observed many boards in action throughout my life, I know that the best boards are those that do not have a personal "ax to grind," those who sincerely put the schools' well being, financial concerns, and community needs ahead of their own. Granted, these positions are not always popular, but neither is leadership. I would assume that most individuals reading this blog have disagreed with any boss they have had--that is a given, but that responsibility of decision making goes with the territory of leadership. When decisions are made with schools, however, we all have opinions about how insensitive the members are, how unqualified they are, or how they simply do not understand. I get it, but I do not agree at all. I have read and listened to terms describing the Dover School Board as "stupid," "clowns," and "ridiculous." Trust me when I say that this is so completely removed from the five who represent us. I know these board members, I have worked for them, and I trust them. Never have I seen them be dishonest, self-serving, or unprofessional. No, I have not always fully agreed with their decisions, but, truthfully, that is irrelevant. Bottom line is this: These are people of integrity, and any attempt to deface them is a sorry attempt at looking for an excuse or a scapegoat. 

 

Grade Leveling: Before I offer my thoughts, I must stress that I admire the committee that was formed to combat the Board's leveling plan. I was so pleased that these parents cared enough to put their names and their reputations on the line as opposed to those who hid behind an anonymous Times Reporter "30 Seconds" soundoff or a vindictive and cowardly Facebook post. Demonstrating an affection for the community, their elementary buildings, and their children, they stepped forth in public meetings and voiced their concerns--they have earned my respect. Like so many proposals, however, their plan was not accepted. Believe me, I have had many proposals rejected by my bosses over the years--I do not like it when it happens, but I realize that is always a possibility. However, I disagree with the idea that the Board did not even consider the proposal. My instincts tell me that the issue was studied, but agreement was not to be found. For whatever reason, I do not know, but I seriously doubt the accusation that the proposal was not even considered--disagreeing does not always equate with out-and-out rejection.

 

My next observation is based on conversations with administrators from three school districts in Ohio that have undergone grade leveling; additionally, I have spoken with teachers who have undergone the same transition in two districts. I have also met with a Walsh University Education professor who offered her views and directed me to numerous research articles that address this issue. What I have learned is that for the benefit of education and for economic stability--once the initial shock of having students in different buildings expires--grade leveling presents a dynamic opportunity to experience growth in so many areas.

 

Quoting an administrator from one of these schools: "The good teachers became great teachers and the great teachers became outstanding teacher leaders--it is awesome to be part of. I don't think I could find a teacher on staff who would tell you they would go back to the community buildings."

 

Additionally, I was told this: "How exciting to be a true Dover kid from the start . . . not a South, East, or Dover Avenue kid and then a Dover kid . . .building a community from Day 1."

 

Finally, these words resonate with me: "I recognize and respect the emotions involved with this change, but I cannot support the 'reaching' concerns or hide my excitement for Dover and what this will really do for the schools as well as the community. A move like this could send Dover off the charts as far as achievement and instruction."

 

My point is simple: Change is going to occur whether we like it or not. In this community, for a variety of reasons, we are tradition bound and married to our buildings. However, that phase of the community will soon be in the rearview mirror. I sense that--like a distant memory--we will move on and what we once lived through and for will gradually become foggy. . . a time we do not want to forget yet one that is gone. I like the leveling idea, but its success or failure lies in the hands of the teachers, the administrators, and the parents. From my research and conversations, I am convinced that it will be a boon to our schools!

 

Levy Request: I probably am "stepping on toes" when I write this, but so be it. For those who were shocked by the levy request many months ago, I would say this: Had you been reading the literature put out by the district for the past several years? Had you read the articles in the Times Reporter about this levy? I am pretty confident that what I will hear is "Hell no--I don't read that rag of a paper or any of that other junk the school sends us--it's a waste of money!" Well, if we plead ignorance, I argue that we did it by choice--we chose not to be informed.  I knew the levy request was coming because we had been told for years that the levy in question had exceeded its financial timeline--the cuts had been ongoing for many years. Before I retired, I was teaching at the high school, and we underwent numerous cuts to save the district money. No, I did not like it, but its purpose was to extend the finances. . .and it worked. That levy was stretched five years longer than its intent. Believe it if you choose, but I know it for a fact: The stretching delayed the inevitable. Yes, the prevailing levy request for a new high school building complicated the picture, but I seriously doubt we will have many detractors when that building is done. Progress must be paid for--we know that. We are getting a new building, and we are in a financial quagmire, but the only people who can prevent further cuts are Dover taxpayers. I know I am voting for the levy because I trust the process of advancement. I do not think I am overstating when I say that I have always loved living, teaching, and coaching in Dover; if I have to pay more to sustain that excellence, I will, regardless the cost. Our schools are the hub of this community. Even for those who say too much emphasis is placed on sports, music, or whatever, the schools are ours, and I am proud of that acknowledgement.

 

The crossroad we are staring at is simple: We are either moving forward or we are moving backward--unfortunately, school financing in this state does not provide a "stay where we are" option. It is our call.

 

To bring this lengthy blog to a halt, allow me to explore what will prevent us from remaining on an upward trend: ourselves. We are blessed with a great opportunity to continue our progress if . . .

 

*our elementary teachers are as excellent as I believe they are, they will rise to the occasion and will continue to excel in their craft without feeling sorry for themselves because the "neighborhood connection" is disappearing--their excellence will be facing a new challenge!

*our parents and relatives can be great encouragers as opposed to continually bemoaning that the grade leveling is a negative and our schools are being run by incompetent people--they will be contributing to a positive culture rather than one of anger and resentment.

*our administrators and Board of Education can continue to lead and make the tough decisions with concern, intelligence, and foresight, we can accept the role of leadership and its impact on moving our schools forward.

 

It is our turn once again to display a strong voice in our future. Please, my friends, do not poison the water by allowing the perceived negatives and disgruntling attitudes to control the flow toward a positive future. We need this cooperative community to set certain frustrations aside so we can continue to move forward.

 

Only we can prevent the negatives from poisoning our schools' future. . .it's in our hands . . .and know that our kids are going to follow our vibes.