BFTSP

Verrrry Interesting……

But stupid.  For those who remember Laugh-in, I hope you remember Arte Johnson saying this.  Well that is what came to mind to me as I start this entry.

Here is the background.  The District Education Improvement Council, which is made of  BISD teachers, administrators, and community members was charged with developing a calendar for the 2010-11 school year.  The chairman was Sharyn Sharp, teacher at Griffith and wife of Bobby Sharp, board member.  The committee studied the issues, the parameters and asked for input from the campuses.  The result was a list of priorities which were:

1. 2 weeks Winter Break
2. 1 week Spring Break
3. 3 day Thanksgiving
4. 1 Holiday between Labor Day and Thanksgiving (#4 & #5 tied)
5. Monday holiday after Easter (#4 & #5 tied)
6. Ending school before June 1

At the board meeting in January, there were two calendars presented, the DEIC Recommended Calendar and a calendar which was requested by Jay Luce that would have school ending in May.  This “other” calendar did not include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day nor President’s day and had some other differences (see below).  Mr. Luce was not at the meeting in January and although I made the motion to accept the DEIC Recommended Calendar, I moved to table the vote on the calendar since Mr. Damian wanted more time to review the newly proposed calendar. 

There was a good deal of discussion in the community and in BFT about the calendars after the January meeting.  So, lo and behold when I received the board packet of information before the February meeting, there was a change in the “ending in May” calendar.  MLK day was included as a student holiday and SD/Comp day. 

So at the school board meeting last evening (2/2/2010) there was a standing room only crowd of teachers and community members that were concerned about MLK day not being included and/or  the ditching of the DEIC Recommended Calendar.  But MLK  was now included.  Pastor Sandy White spoke first and so eloquently.  It was a beautiful speech…what a gifted speaker.  He knew about the recent change to include MLK but he spoke up for the DEIC calendar in its entirety.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude  that he was speaking to the DEIC process, both holidays (MLK and President’s Day) as well as the benefits of the three day weekends spread throughout the year for families. 

There were a couple of others that spoke that were defending MLK, not aware beforehand that it was now included in both calendars. 

Then Becky Orr came forward as a teacher/parent/community member and she was fantastic.  She pointed out the  educational  issues, family issues and she made a wonder case for the DEIC calendar process.  She deserves our praise and support for standing up in this jammed packed room and speaking for the teachers, the DEIC and  its calendar that met the parameters and priorities.

So the stage is set.  It is tense and you should have been there to feel and taste the atmosphere.  Jay Luce read an email from Joel Welch that  said he  favored the “ending in May” calendar.  I made the motion for the DEIC calendar, Jay Grable seconded  it.  Discussion continued and the vote was called..   The vote was 3 to 3.  Those in favor of the DEIC Recommended Calendar were Jay Grable, Ron Damian and me.  Those opposed were  Jay Luce, Bobby Sharp and Mario Martinez.  Then a motion was made for the “ending in May’” calendar.  The votes against it were Jay Grable, Ron Damian and me.  So neither calendar was approved. 

The calendar question will be presented again at the next meeting.   

Why ditch the DEIC Recommended calendar and “dis” the work of the DEIC  for a calendar that is ill conceived  and the only reason for its existence is “ending  in May”?   Does that have any educational value?  Is there something magic in not going to school in June?  Do we need this drama and decisiveness over a day and a half in June?  Now what was that phrase from Laugh-In?

Here are the differences in the calendars:

Related posts:

1. Verrrry Interesting……