Today I decided to participate in democracy! I composed a letter and sent it to the school board members in the district in which I live and teach. In my mind, being connected equals participation. The thoughts I’ve expressed in my letter are the same ones that have been floating around my head for years. This exercise has inspired me to create another letter for local legislators. Of course, I have no idea what impact this communication will have, but, in some way, I feel I will be fulfilling part of my responsibility as an educator and parent. In the letter, I’ve avoided complaining about specific policies, and focused on what I would expect good leaders to do as school board members.
This exercise has also reminded me that connecting is not just seeking new ideas and inspirations, but sharing informed experiences and ideas. For me, connecting in writing forces me to search for the best way to articulate things most accurately, and it helps me think through and test my own ideas and opinions. This way, I am able to type something, and then sit back and ask, “Is this how I really feel?” or “Have I explained this accurately?” Writing also allows me time to remember that I am communicating with intelligent, thoughtful fellow human beings who deserve respect and the benefit of the doubt. The letter is below…
Dear Central Bucks School District Board Members,
I write to you as a person who was educated in the Central Bucks School District, a father of three Central Bucks educated children, and a teacher in the district. As an employee of the district, I’ve often contemplated if it would be considered appropriate to communicate directly with the board. Alas, you are now reading the result of my many years of consideration! I would like to congratulate the newly elected board members and extend my appreciation to all for taking up the task of being the citizen-representatives of our community in our school system.
Please keep in mind that my comments represent only my views, but come from experience as a parent and professional in the district. I will acknowledge, as I hope you do, that one can never know all of the facts, history, and experience that influence people and events. Therefore, I will do my best to eliminate any bias from my comments. They are offered in a spirit of helpfulness, but I will leave that for you to determine.
I believe that good leaders seek information. I have often heard board members say that they have been contacted by few members of the community on certain issues. It is true that, in a democracy, members of the community have an obligation to make their voices heard. It is also true that, for many reasons, that doesn’t always happen, and we shouldn’t expect it to. Please seek out the opinions of others and don’t simply wait. Part of the decision making process involves responsible parties educating themselves. I’m sure you all would feel more comfortable making decisions if you felt fully informed on the issues. Please find ways to insure that happens.
Last school year board president Stephen Corr visited the school in which I work. It is the first time in 18 years I’ve had a board president standing in front of me at school. In fact, in 18 years I’ve seen three board members in the school in which I work. Mr. Corr allowed for the staff to ask questions in a faculty meeting environment, which was much appreciated. This should not be a once in 18 year event. Additionally, please also consider that many people will not ask a question or give an opinion with 30 other people watching. Please endeavor to speak with individual teachers whose opinion you don’t already know. Please visit the teachers in the schools you represent and speak with them directly. Be leaders that hear as many sides of the issues as possible so that you may be educated and make decisions that build confidence among teachers, parents, and students.
As people who are not trained and experienced in the field of education, please make sure you trust those who have been hired because of their training and experience in education. I believe good organizations hire good professionals and then let them do their jobs. I believe that this board and the current administration all have the same overarching goals. Parents, teachers, and employees deserve a board and administration that maintain a positive working relationship by acquiring as much information as possible and then working together to make good decisions. Preconceived notions, grudges, and uninformed decisions will destroy trust in our community and a good working environment for teachers, parents, and students.
If after careful research, you disagree with national and state policies and laws, work to inform the public, and work with PSEA and other organizations to inform and put pressure on politicians to effect positive change.
I sincerely appreciate the time you devote to your role as a school board member and to reading and considering the thoughts expressed here.
Sincerely,
Robert Sidelinker