 By Bill Thomas Sr. March 28, 2007
I have to admit that some of these comments are difficult to make. The reason being, for as long as I've lived here, I've had the pleasure of interacting in one capacity or another with leaders of the community and the people they employ. I am proud to consider them my friends and neighbors. One positive factor is that the teaching community in this district is a very close knit family and active component of many good things that happen in Ketchikan. I have also served on selection committees that recommended various people to District Superintendents and UAS Campus directors. I have served actively in an administrative capacity for KGBSD and in an advisory capacity with the University for more than a decade. I've been involved in many organizations, committees, boards and commissions over the years. Disagreement, for the most
part is the one way to reach a positive conclusion after a period
of communication that some know as discussion or debate. Each
component has a role. One governs, the other administers. When
strong character on both sides can't seem to come to an agreement,
the situation becomes a matter of micro-managing. Which in most
cases, turns out to be the most devastating consequence to the
people you are elected and hired to serve, the students of this
school district. It's amazing how many decisions are made between
part of governing bodies before it ever gets to an agenda or
a meeting. In my opinion ,that is totally wrong and counter productive.
So far the reasons I've had access to, which is only what I get
from the media, are not relevant to the point to warrant dismissal
of an individual who has endured more than his share of fiascos
regarding renovation of a middle school that was subject to Morpheus
law. Moving the district office several times during his tenure,
placing students in multiple locations in order for them to attend
school. During those times, I don't recall the school board coming
up with any alternative solutions or even being part of discussions.
They spent their time listening and agreeing with the alternatives
put forth by our incumbent superintendent. My hopes for what
it's worth is that you don't let emotions blind your vision and
dilute your opportunity to function as one of the best performing
organizations that demonstrate as a priority the best welfare
of each student in achieving their individual potential of learning
so that they don't wind up on the street, in detention or the
court system because they do not have the tools to be all they
can be. Remember, you are largely responsible for providing these
opportunities to the children in this school district. In my
heart, I know you can do it. About: "Advocate for youth and education" and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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