From the Gazette

Any common ground?

When I hear from the incumbents, I think we might agree to put children first when it comes to decision making, that parent involvement is critical, and the focus of the schools should be on academics (plus technical subjects and trades).

Dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that many of us have widely different ideas of what those simple phrases mean when translated to school policy. If we really have common ground, we will not discover it through vilifying or stereotyping the other side. That only leads to the animosity we have been experiencing for the last two years.

Where we find we have different ideas, the only way to make sure the best policies are implemented is through open and healthy discussions — not through backroom deals and covertly implementing policy changes without public notice. It should be obvious by now that it’s an illusion to think vanquishing the other side will result in unity. Treating others who disagree with us as enemies only fuels fires that divide our community.

Public business needs to be conducted in public. The way to have excellent schools and heal our community is to promote vigorous debate about education. I support Keegan Barkley, Mike Knott, and Seth Bryant for school board because they have pledged to open lines of communication, rebuild relationships and listen to all members of the community — even those who disagree with them.

Holly Sample, Florissant