Educ for Life-long Learning LO5043

SAGEREDENT@aol.com
Mon, 22 Jan 1996 15:03:14 -0500

Replying to LO4984 --

Joe and Ron

As a former school superintendent in 2 states, I agree whole heartedly
with every thing you say and would underscore "stay involved" and "we are
responsible for making (what we want to see) happen." Rarely can a school
system do for a community what a community doesn't want done for itself.
Schools are big business. In many areas, schools are the biggest employers
and job providers.Schools are a big investment for all taxpayers. School
taxes are paid by 100% of taxpayers, yet less than 25% of taxpayers have
kids in school. Given the benefits and the investment, all taxpayers (not
just parents with kids in school) should stay involved - over the long
haul.

Carol Sager
The Critical Linkages II Newsletter
21 Wallis Rd.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167
617/469-9644 v
617/469-9639 fax
sageredent@aol.com

In a message dated 96-01-19 22:34:26 EST, you write
>>In response to the question "How do we begin to deal with these systemic
>>issues? [In the schools]" Joe DiVincenzo wrote "Get and stayed
>>involved....They need to hear all that we want, not just hear part of the
>>message. And
>Joe is absolutely right. In my experience, most school officials default
>to the mindset of bureaucrats, i.e., make no waves and avoid controversy.
>(I believe the system itself enforces this behavior; the individuals
>themselves often would prefer to do more.) Anyway, if the only ones
>complaining, writing letters, and showing up at board meetings are the
>most limited thinkers, that is what will drive the agenda. Worse still,
>if no one shows up or speaks up, decisions will likely be made based on
>little data by people conditioned to follow business as usual. Many
>teachers and administrators are happy to change and to take risks if they
>perceive even a little support in the community.

--
SAGEREDENT@aol.com