Carolyn's Corner

October 19, 2006

Election season is upon us with the usual flurry of negative ads and bad behavior. Sadly, this same kind of behavior that bombards us on television from the state and national races is spilling over into local political races also. The union endorsement process has been targeted in the newspaper over and over again, even though it was the wish of the membership, was conducted according to an agreed upon process, and clearly reflects the will of the bargaining unit. My integrity has also been questioned in some of these hit pieces, and today, who I rent my house from was even questioned! Whatever happened to having an open and honest discussion of the issues, voting, and “may the best man win” process that used to prevail in elections? I guess the Karl Rove mentality of campaigning has infiltrated into the most local level which is a sad commentary on where this country is headed! The best revenge must be that the best candidates will win despite the tactics of a few.

Around the district, teachers are doing what they do best: teaching and supporting kids in their journey toward achievement and success. In classrooms in every corner of the district, high quality instruction is taking place, and enthusiastic, excited students are soaking up massive doses of knowledge. Schools are functioning at a high level and the job of education is getting done. This should be the focus of everyone who is or wishes to become involved with this district. Sadly, for some of these folks, student achievement and education do not enter into the picture at all. Personal agendas and political power seem to be the focus of their actions. Twenty thousand students deserve better from some of the adults who are in charge of their future. As the educators of these students, we need to stand up and demand that what's good for these kids is the total focus of any decisions that are made: at the site level; at the district level; and at the Board of Trustees level. Without this conviction and commitment from district leadership, what happens in the classroom will be for naught.

We have included the CFT and PVFT endorsements in this Flyer for your information. We hope that you will take a look at them and then vote according to your conscience. If you have questions or would like further information, don't hesitate to call the office at 722-2331 or my cell phone at 345-3427. November 7, 2006 could be the beginning of a better future for all of us from the national and state level, and even locally. Whatever you do, get to the polls and vote!

Carolyn Savino