1988. The year I graduated high school! In this look back at thirty years ago, I cover my life and the world we lived in. You may see some familiar faces. For the younger crowd looking at this, I have no doubt you will crack up at the society we called our own! But my generation owned the 1980s!
…provisions in the US Department of Education (DOE) draft regulations would perpetuate federal overreach in areas that ESSA specifically delegates to the states and to local school districts.
Last night, I remembered where I came from. In 1988, I graduated from John Jay High School in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District in Cross River, New York.
While looking at public comments on the Every Student Succeeds Act draft regulations put forth by the United States Department of Education, I actually found a comment submitted by the Board of Education at my old school district. They basically told John King to shove it and to keep his nose out of state and local education matters. I agree wholeheartedly. I truly wish any of the districts in Delaware, where I now live, took similar actions with these horrible regulations. They say you can’t go home again, but you can certainly look back with pride!
What I was also shocked to see was an item on their Board Docs, which they have at every single board meeting. Something I would urge all Delaware Boards of Education, Boards of Directors, the State Board of Education, task forces, committees, or any public body that meets and allows public comment to have, this:
Public comment is a must. But seeing a board taking the time to discuss the concerns or matters brought up during public comment is something we just don’t see in Delaware. All too often, we bring something up during public comment and it isn’t referred to again. Although, being fair, Capital School District (where I live) does discuss many items brought up in public comment. Frequently, I am the only one giving public comment at board meetings and I am very open about items on their agenda and how they pertain to special education. But could you imagine how different our State Board of Education would be if they adopted this amazing philosophy? If there was actually some type of conversation between the public and themselves? Or going a leap further, what if our Senate or House Education Committees took these steps? They could understand things so much more. Bottom line is this: Delaware, as a whole, needs to speak up with a very loud voice and have more engagement with ALL stakeholders!
So much of who I am comes from the spirit of the school district I grew up in. I’ve taken this for granted over the years, but this makes me really happy to see. But one thing I do want to know: when did my high school get an Ice Hockey team? That is really awesome! I wish they had that when I grew up!
The Season Of Myths 