About a Choice

Campaign is such a strong word

Have you wondered what all the hubbub is about? I have! Why is there so much controversy surrounding a choice?
In my mind, this is what it comes down to: inform parents they have a choice, help them become informed about what the different choices are, encourage them to vote for what they feel best represents their interests, then support what the majority of parents want.

No campaigning necessary, right?

It’s crazy to think some parents have gotten all worked up about allowing the democratic process to run it’s course. I’m having a hard time understanding why. To go back a few months to when this whole controversy started last April, the purpose was simply to give parents a voice. Find out what parents want. Have a vote. Support the outcome, whatever that may be. Simple.

But a bunch of hurdles have been stacked in the way. First step: submit an application with the school district stating you intend to offer parents a choice to the existing parent volunteer organization. Done.

Second, ask parents to sign a petition, which would allow them the right to have a vote. Signing the petition isn’t casting a vote for one organization or another – it’s simply a step in the process to get to the vote. Parents aren’t required to sign the petition. Hopefully parents will take the time to inform themselves about their options. If they don’t like the idea of having a choice, it’s their right to refuse. No problem.

Third, (the MOST important step): VOTE. Without this step, there’s no way to know what the majority of parents want. As Dr. Briscoe says, “It’s called Democracy.” If parents want status quo, then let’s do that. If they’re interested in something different, let’s support that. No need for hurt feelings or threats. No need to persuade, bully, or campaign.

Right now, we’re working on step two. If you’re interested in supporting the opportunity to find out what parents want through a vote, look me up. I’ll bring you a petition to sign. The vote will come later.