Proactive vs. Reactive
As there have been a couple of comments here on the site that allude to the fact that the treatment of both the BOE and the citizens needs to be addressed in a more positive rather than destructive fashion, a number of things have occurred to me in thinking about this.
First let me say that I don’t believe that activism in pursuit of the truth is destructive in any way, quite the contrary in fact, although I suppose the outcome can be destructive to those who don’t want the truth revealed. It is my observation that this has become the basic theme of these ongoing struggles- we as citizens ask questions, and those who do not wish to answer throw up smokescreens at our expense. My question is- to what end, and how is this continued behavior justified?
The strident screams continue from the BOE puppet show regarding our per-pupil spending rank in the state and how Prop 46 is destroying the school system. While I respect their right to feel this way, they clearly have yet to make the case with facts or present a strategy that is coherent. Instead, it appears that just the opposite is true as the BOE legal spending continues to grow unchecked and a plethora of questions continue to go unanswered.
It appears to me that as the citizens take a more proactive approach to having these issues addressed, the continued reactive nature of the Board buries them deeper. The stated position of the BOE in the past is that they don’t “micromanage”. It would appear that it is currently exactly that which is required at this time. Continuing to scheme for more funding for Shipman & Goodwin billable hours and alienating the Academy will continue to fall on deaf ears and accomplishes nothing except to entrench the conflict.
The evidence is clear that the citizens do not take kindly to strong arm tactics, nor will they will be excused until responsibility for them is taken. It is apparent that change must take place from within the glass house in which they live.
First let me say that I don’t believe that activism in pursuit of the truth is destructive in any way, quite the contrary in fact, although I suppose the outcome can be destructive to those who don’t want the truth revealed. It is my observation that this has become the basic theme of these ongoing struggles- we as citizens ask questions, and those who do not wish to answer throw up smokescreens at our expense. My question is- to what end, and how is this continued behavior justified?
The strident screams continue from the BOE puppet show regarding our per-pupil spending rank in the state and how Prop 46 is destroying the school system. While I respect their right to feel this way, they clearly have yet to make the case with facts or present a strategy that is coherent. Instead, it appears that just the opposite is true as the BOE legal spending continues to grow unchecked and a plethora of questions continue to go unanswered.
It appears to me that as the citizens take a more proactive approach to having these issues addressed, the continued reactive nature of the Board buries them deeper. The stated position of the BOE in the past is that they don’t “micromanage”. It would appear that it is currently exactly that which is required at this time. Continuing to scheme for more funding for Shipman & Goodwin billable hours and alienating the Academy will continue to fall on deaf ears and accomplishes nothing except to entrench the conflict.
The evidence is clear that the citizens do not take kindly to strong arm tactics, nor will they will be excused until responsibility for them is taken. It is apparent that change must take place from within the glass house in which they live.
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