(Aired on February 11, 2010)
I certainly don't mind people passionately defending their views on any subject whatsoever. I have never had issue with any person opposing my views on this program.
But when it starts to get personal, that's another story. And, unfortunately, that's what happened earlier this week when parents in the Brocklehurst area turned out to oppose a proposed plan for a middle school in their area. They didn't like the idea - it's their right to state their views. But quite frankly, many of these parents were just ignorant in their comments, suggesting the Board blindsided them, or sabotaged them by bringing up the middle school idea. They demeaned the board in their comments, and tried to suggest that the board had the middle school idea in mind all the time, and had a hidden agenda.
That's a bunch of crap, and those parents should be ashamed of themselves for their attitude and the way they talked the other night. I understand they're upset. I get it. But I don't get making a personal attack on people who are trying to find solutions in the midst of very trying situations.
The School Board is dealing with a serious issue - funding is not enough, enrollment is declining. Changes have to be made. Middle schools are becoming more and more popular. Why not try it, especially in an area where it makes sense? To suggest that the Board is picking on Brocklehurst parents by putting a middle school there and nowhere else is just illogical at best, and ignorant at worst. The comments of some parents Tuesday night were just plain hurtful, and to deal with a tough situation by personal attacks doesn't help anyone.
That was a tough night for trustees. They've been diligent in having this brutal series of public meetings so they can meet face to face with the people. It's been very demanding and very very stressful. They could have easily made changes without the kind of public consultation they chose. They should be commended for the way they're trying to deal with the problem, not kicked in the teeth like they were the other night.
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I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the meeting at Brocklehurst. I as a parent was embarrassed and dismayed at the approach taken by many. Have we forgotten that even more important than what school our child attends is teaching them (many of whom were sitting right next to the parents) to be open minded, reasonable and respectful citizens?
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I do understand their frustration and whether intentionally or not, they were blindsided. Yes, the board is doing their best in trying circumstances, but the plan they have put forth has not taken all factors into consideration, does not allow enough time to consider all of the implications and devise solutions for them, and creates HUGE inequality within our own city. As if Kamloops doesn't have enough division already...
Very respectfully submited :)
a future Brock parent.
Wow, I wonder if you and I were at the same meeting? Were you at the meeting?
ReplyDeleteWhen I left the meeting I felt very proud of the North Shore residents. I think that they asked some important questions, raised some valid points, and demonstrated great respect for the trustees.
Most speakers made a point to thank the board for their efforts and their time. I can only think of one speaker who made a disrespectful remark. The community has a right to demand sound educational decisions, it is their tax dollars that pay for public education.
While middle schools may be gaining some popularity, it does not mean they are in the best interest of the students. Also, many of the speakers did not disagree with the idea of a middle school but rather with the time frame that the trustees have proposed.
Switching from a high school to a middle school is a major undertaking. Professional development for teachers to learn the new curriculum and new classroom management techniques, removing inappropriate books from the library and replacing them, creating a new school philosophy, developing age appropriate courses, creating a workable time table....the list goes on and on...Can that be done, successfully by next September?
Lastly, I do agree with Brock residents that they were blindsided. The trustees laid out a plan and people were prepared for the possibility that Brock may become a junior high. No where in that plan did it say anything about a middle school. This new proposal does cause a lot of chaos and uncertainty about transportation, sports, courses, and ultimately the well being of their children.
Perhaps your rant should have been directed toward our government that continues to financially slash public education and healthcare. I think that the 500+ (not 200 as reported by the media) people that showed up to the meeting at Brock should be commended for their activism and commitment to their community.
Well said. I know I would not trade places with any of the trustees this year. Most of SD73's revenues and expenses are not under their control (funding and teachers' contracts are set by the Provincial Government) but they are still responsible for balancing the budget. One note about the change to a middle school, it may just be a transition phase until the Grade 8-12 population of Brocklehurst and NorKam is small enough to fit into one building, which would probably be 5 years from now, and they could close Brock completely. Another budget decision.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't agree with them verbally beating up the trustees, I think the parents were expressing frustration at feeling disenfranchised - the feeling that the powers that be live on the South Shore and make decisions to their benefit, and the North Shore is the dumping ground for the City's problems. I remember going to a KamPlan open house about 10 years ago and noticing that they were planning for mixed-use neighbourhoods on the North Shore (single family and multi-family buildings all in the same neighbourhood). I mentioned to of the city staffers present that this seemed to be a trend in urban planning, and he replied with "I know, that's why I live in Juniper Ridge." It's kind of hard not to feel jaded after that. I wonder if someone formed a "Bloc North Shore" to run in the 2011 municipal election, whether the North Shore would give them enough support to elect a few councillors?