The Final Word...
By Kathie S. Kelly
As I write this, I just feel so badly that so many people don't look a little closer at what is really going on. Just the basics, as in the letter that was passed out when the parents and students got home from their Washington trip. "The BOE voted no to the ninth grade proposal" - don't people remember that the only reason they voted no was because they had an auditorium filled with hundreds of angry, questioning people, who insisted on a decision then and there? "The BOE has signed an agreement with WA" - after how long? And was it only because this petition came out, and they wanted to be presented in the best light? Don't people really know about the thousands of dollars of tax payer, educational (supposed) earmarked money that has been spent on legal fees, and then they were found to be in the wrong anyway?
As I write this, I just feel so badly that so many people don't look a little closer at what is really going on. Just the basics, as in the letter that was passed out when the parents and students got home from their Washington trip. "The BOE voted no to the ninth grade proposal" - don't people remember that the only reason they voted no was because they had an auditorium filled with hundreds of angry, questioning people, who insisted on a decision then and there? "The BOE has signed an agreement with WA" - after how long? And was it only because this petition came out, and they wanted to be presented in the best light? Don't people really know about the thousands of dollars of tax payer, educational (supposed) earmarked money that has been spent on legal fees, and then they were found to be in the wrong anyway?
I just got a phone call from a friend of mine, questioning if I got a phone call from the PTO reminding me to vote. "You know," she said, "a call from the superintendent's office that goes out to every parent in the school system. She must have worked it out with the office to send it out." No kidding - Is this what the emergency phone system is in place for?
I know there are many more issues. I just want to let you know that the woodstocktruth does a nice job of keeping people informed.
Kathie S. Kelly
Editor's note: This vote is critical for students, parents and taxpayers alike. I am proud of the work that we have done over the last number of years in bringing the issues to the forefront. One way or the other, it is my hope that parents will wake up and start to understand what is going on around them with regard to their children's educations. It has always been disheartening to me that it is the same 3-4 people at BOE meetings- where are the parents? With regard to the issues facing Woodstock, more need to take the time to understand the ramifications of their apathy in not holding their officials responsible for their actions. A strong turnout today, which ever way it goes, will be the reward for all of the work we have done. Either way, please take the time to have your voice heard. Best regards, Craig Powers
I think that what many of the younger parents and PTO syncophants don't realize is that the controversy centered on the BOE has been going on for a very long time and they have done very little to proactively engage the community in a way that could end the division and work toward the common goal of improving education. Instead they have continually stoked the fires of dissent and in the process have accomplished very little in the way of meeting their so called "objectives" which are in actuality just rhetorical lip service that hides their real agenda which is to raise taxes and control the Academy.
The function and importance of the BOE is overrated by those who love control, bureaucracy, and hearing themselves talk. The terms should be 4 years so they don't forget their campaign promises as most politicians do. Heck, even the President of the United States has a four year term! Further, since I am a believer in small efficient government, 7 members is more than enough. Republicans Vote Yes!