Citizen Comments – Kori Paull – May 19, 2016
The word of the month is Courage.
Defined as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
I spoke a few weeks ago and was concerned about the direction of Huntsville City Schools. That took courage.
What I didn’t say then was that in January I decided to homeschool my child. That took courage. Courage to stand against those that say I am giving up on the system. That I am part of the problem. Courage to go back to creating lessons and rubrics and grading papers when at this point in my life I wasn’t expecting to be doing that work. Courage to do what was right for my son.
But if you remember me from a few weeks ago you’ll remember that I have another child. A daughter. Her experience has been mostly positive and public school is a good fit for her (for now). However, I’m still concerned about where we are headed as a school system, and with the lack of open and honest communication. It is for her and so many of our children that I am asking you now to be courageous.
Withstand what is difficult. It may be hard to admit but everything is not ok in Huntsville City Schools.
Venture into conversations about the things that need to improve alongside the celebrations of success. When parents and students and teachers ask questions and bring up inconsistencies and are struggling to understand what is happening and why it is happening, please don’t brush them aside.
Let’s persevere together. I am doing my part as a citizen to be informed. I am attending board meetings, researching available documents online, and trying to maintain an open positive outlook. I contributed my comments and questions to the drafted Behavior Learning Guide. I am asking you, the leaders of our school system, as well as our citizen-elected board of education to do your part.
Peter Drucker said, “Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.”
Have the moral strength to do what’s right.
We need open and honest communication. And courage.
– Kori Paull
