WE NEED TO TAKE A GOOD HARD LOOK AT PHILOSOPHIES OF THOSE RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED MULTIPLE TIMES
As we approach the election season, we need to take a good hard look at the philosophies of those running for positions on school boards for the first time and those who have served multiple times.
We will probably NEVER have an Olympic swimmer to come from Rich Central High School District 227 because they have no access to a swimming pool.Swimming is a sport where everyone can participate regardless of athletic prowess or not.Swimming is a lifetime sport that can be pursued well into one's advanced years. I remember well, a senior at Rich Central who drowned in Fox Lake during the senior class activity because he wasn't a proficient swimmer.In addition to the health and fitness benefits, the ability to swim can save one's life.
People who sat on that board for years, lacking in foresight and long range planning purchased and renovated a multi-million dollar administrative building that sits vacant after business hours.This white elephant does nothing to contribute to a world-class, quality education for the students in preparation for their future success as learned people who can compete on the global stage.
This same group has paid for extensions and expansions of their buildings but failed to provide room in those buildings for an administrative wing as had always been the previous practice.In prior years, long before some of these people became members of the board the administrative offices were housed at Rich Central.It obviously was a very effective and efficient arrangement because the students who graduated during that regime fared well on tests, and a large percentage went on to become successful in their fields of study.
Today the Rich schools are on the watch list; and, except for a talented few, most cannot pass the Prairie State Achievement Examination. The board salutes and heralds the talented few; but, they do little that can be discerned about the majority of the students.Public education should provide a quality education for 100% of its students giving each an equal opportunity for success.
The school community has a choice.The school community can determine the future of our children.The school community must come together to select and elect those who are single issue candidates; and, that single issue must be what is in the best interests of the students.
Quality school board members have an oversight responsibility and it is up to them to make certain that there is professional staff development and accountability on the part of everyone who is a part of the system from the janitor on up to the superintendent.What criteria do they use for evaluating the personnel whom they hire and retain?How often, and when was the last time this evaluating was done?
We need and deserve a CHANGE!We need people who are passionate about the welfare and well-being of our children.We need people who will put students FIRST!
Helen L. Burleson, Doctor of Public Administration, 9 year member Board of Education, School District 161, Flossmoor, IL 1972-1981, member of IL State Board of Education 1981-1983
For further information: Helen L. Burleson (708)747-0919
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