Nancy Kahn's Letter to the School Board

Dear Williston School Administration, Williston School Board and Williston Observer;

I am writing to voice my support for the concerns expressed in Jeff Smith's Guest Column "School's house system needs 'meaningful change'' published in the April 17, 2008 Williston Observer.

As a Williston resident and tax payer I feel it is time for a FULL restructuring of the Upper House Configuration which reflects the desire of our community. THIS IS OUR SCHOOL/THE COMMUNITY'S SCHOOL, NOT THE TEACHERS' SCHOOL and we want change NOW.

In addition to this, the survey showed 78% of people felt that it was important to house all of the same grade students in the same school. This number is above Walter Nardelli's goal number of 75% for satisfaction which inherently should make it a very high priority. The changes proposed in the lower house, as well as the upper house are set to create even more inequality and enhance the feeling of house membership versus that of a Williston community. It is financially, socially, and academically inappropriate to create such differences.

Parents should have a voice in the education of their children. The School Board is elected to represent the views of the community and the best interest of the children. In this case, the School Board unquestioningly accepted the one proposal from the administration without seeking community input.

I agree, this is OUR children and OUR school. Let's make it a strong Williston Community School!

Thank you.

Nancy Kahn

republished with the permission of the original author