After two people had spoken at Monday night’s meeting and said that the time for mediation has passed, the voters had already spoken they said.
We have had a couple of speakers tonight shoot down the idea of mediation. They say that there is no need for the board to mediate with Dr. Williams because the voters spoke in the last election. This is from the very same page as the talking points we keep hearing from a particular board member (Mrs. Walsh) regarding our superintendent being ousted. She proclaims, “elections matter”-”elections have results” she says.Â
Well, I agree with that but here is what is not being said …… she did not run on removing Dr. Williams as our superintendent. As a matter of fact, none of you sitting up there (board members) ran on the issue of replacing our superintendent. So let’s stop implying that you are implementing the wishes of your constituents. In my opinion, you are not!This same board member has another talking point that I would like to tackle head-on. I have heard her say that there are teachers who are afraid to come to these board meetings and speak out against Doug Williams. In my experience talking with teachers the truth of the matter is quite the opposite. Many teachers have told me that they are scared to come to these meetings and speak their minds - not scared of Williams but scared of certain members on this school board. Having spoken with friends that teach in other Perry schools, I can assure you that this fear is township wide. Many say, “Look at what these four did to the superintendent - just think of what they could do to me if I get on their bad side.” Well, I am not afraid to speak out. My name is Tim Nance and I proudly teach at Homecroft Elementary School. I am also a resident and a voter here in Perry Township.I support mediation that includes our superintendent, Dr. Williams. Not because he is a friend of mine. I have actually only met the man a few times. Not because I am afraid to speak out against him. I will speak out in the best interest of my students and my community no matter what party is involved. And not because I am being asked to show support for him by my teachers’ association or any other organization. I am an independent thinker who studies the facts and comes to my own conclusions. I support Dr. Williams being reinstated for one very simple reason. His leadership has been good for Perry students, Perry families, Perry residents, and Perry employees.Tim Nance, Teacher at Homecroft Elementary
I’ve heard at the meetings and on this site from people asking why more people are not showing their support for Mrs. Adams, Ms. Alexander, Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Walsh. I’ve also heard all the conversations about people being scared to say anything.
I try very hard not to be inflammatory, and I am saddened by the mob approach to this issue, and the personal attacks that have been leveled at the so-called ‘Gang of Four’. What makes it worse for me is that several members of the board, both present and past, have been friends and/or acquaintances of mine, and they are on both sides of this issue, so it’s difficult to say anything that doesn’t upset someone.
All I can say is that while I’m not necessarily ’scared’ I am realistic enough to know that making comments under my real name would adversely affect not only my relationships with these people, but also the way my child is treated by some of his/her teachers. My child has told me about some of the things he/she has heard, both in the classrooms and in the halls, from teachers, and has told me what he/she has seen with regard to the way other students are being treated. I have seen first-hand how students are treated by certain teachers if they are not one of that teacher’s ‘favorites’, so I don’t wish to do anything to bring that upon my own child.
TEACHERS: if you are truly concerned about doing the best job you can for our students, I hope that you are spending your time in the classroom teaching, and NOT discussing this issue, either pro or con. I guess I’m hopeful or naive enough to think that if you ignore it during the school day then some of the ugliness that has been exhibited by students toward other students (on both sides of the issue) would not happen. Of course parents are free to do what they want in the privacy of their own homes, but I would hope that you as educators would leave your personal and/or professional opinions about the School Board and Dr. Williams at home or in the teachers’ lounge. This issue certainly does not have a place in the classroom.
To “Let’s Think About This”
I agree that the mob approach to this issue is counter-productive; however, you should not imply that it is one sided. It appears that the “Gang of Four” and their mob have engaged in their fare share of personal attacks. They have not limited these to Dr. Williams, but those against him are the most egregious. Please do not think that I am an apologist for all things Dr. Williams has stood for or instituted. I have my disagreements with him. The expression of my opinion is rooted in my disgust with the appalling lack of due process that this board has utilized in its dealings with the superintendent over the past few months and its secretive âwe only talk to the people that agree with usâ communication to the community.
If indeed the opposition to the actions of the board is as monolithic as you express, should this not be a sign that the board has over stepped its perceived mandate from this past year’s election? If indeed you feel strongly about this and are sincere in your belief, why should you care if someone else gets upset?
Be a realist and make a contribution to resolving the issues and stop the self-righteous BS about how âsadâ you are. I am sorry that you have experienced the âI have seen first-hand how students are treated by certain teachers if they are not one of that teacherâs âfavoritesâ, so I donât wish to do anything to bring that upon my own childâ mafia that is operating in our schools. Pull up a chair, get a Kleenex and tell me about all the children that are mistreated by this school district, its officials and its teachers. Join the chorus of âDon Quixotesâ alleging all manner of injustices done to students that are not âfavorites.â
Yes, there is a conspiracy in which all teachers in MSD Perry Township participate. It is the dreaded âyou are not my favoriteâ plan to take over the school system. It seems to provide cover for parents to weasel out of their responsibility to contribute to the school system. Dear “Let’s Think About This” please think about this and save us your load of tripe.