LETTERS: SCHOOL BOARD MUST RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST

To the Editor:

I read, with great interest, the article of a few nights ago by Mr. John Campbell. I appreciate Mr. Campbell's historic flare in referring to Admiral Farragut's now famous order "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" during the battle of Mobile Bay. The implication is clear: during difficult times, strong leadership is a must. However, I suspect if Admiral Farragut had been torpedoed three times he would have changed course and pursued his objective in a more effective manner.

The resolve to continue to pursue funding for the school district is admirable, but perhaps a different course should be considered. In order to avoid being accused of "fanning the flames," I would suggest the school board re-evaluate the method by which they collect, correlate and respond to input from the community.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Thompson stated that the school board was puzzled. According to Mr. Thompson, the community asked for change, enter Dr. Clark. Now, according to Mr. Thompson, the community doesn't want change, hence the defeat of three bond issues. It seems clear that a misunderstanding exists between the community and the school board.

No doubt Mr. Thompson and the entire board have good intentions. However, until the desires of the community and the direction of the board are in harmony, progress is impossible.

Perhaps a series of special meetings scheduled in various facilities on different days at different times could be held to gather input from the community. The first topic would have to be a.) Why do voters lack confidence in the board and what must be done to restore that confidence? b.) What issues do voters want the board to address? and, c.) What are the short and long term goals for the district?

Granted it will be difficult to get people to attend such meetings due to voter apathy and the feeling that the average citizen's input won't be heard by the board, but a new beginning must start somewhere. The board must always seriously consider and respond to all reasonable input.

A year ago as part of an anti-drug program at Schultz School, T-shirts were sold as a fundraiser. One of the businesses that bought ad space on the back of the shirts was a beverage shop that sold alcohol. To some of us whose children attended Schultz at the time, this seemed inconsistent with an anti-drug program. Several parents requested that the T-shirts not be sold with that particular ad on the shirt. My wife and I wrote a letter to the school board stating such. The shirts went on sale with the beverage shop ad in place. My wife and I didn't approve but realized that in a democracy the majority rules. However, the failure of anyone from the school or the board to respond to us, even to say the sale would go on as planned, gave us the perception that our input was not wanted nor valued.

I realize that this is an isolated incident at one school during one year. Failure to acknowledge interest by parents in the affairs of the school district breeds distrust. I would encourage the current board and administration to take positive steps to resolve the issue of confidence before pursuing any further attempts to gain approval of a bond issue.

Steve Simmons

Cape Girardeau