We are seeing history in the making in Jefferson County. The question is, will these current events be taught to future classes? Or will the school board insist that the retelling simply state that meetings were held between students and the board, omitting the unseemly civil disobedience that precipitated the audience with Superintendent Dan McMinimee?
We are also seeing history replayed. Proof of the sad-but-true axiom that we get the government we deserve. Upon being elected, this school board refused to work collaboratively with then-Superintendent Cindy Stevenson. Its members have taken a combative stance toward teachers in general and the teachers union in particular. The pay-for-performance package, imbued with good intent, is deeply flawed in the details. The board pursued and got its sole choice for superintendent, and hired him at a salary far exceeding his qualifications. And of course, there is the matter of AP History.
When Julie Williams proposed curriculum review, the stated intent was not to ensure balance, but to “promote patriotism and free-market ideas and not civil disorder or disregard of law.” This is like going getting a physical exam and asking the doctor to share only “the good news.” When students protested this thinly-veiled exercise in scrubbing the data, many labeled them as naïve pawns, or opportunists looking for an excuse to cut class on a nice day. Experience would raise red flags.
These events invoke memories I have from when I was a Jeffco high school student (1967-70.) During this time of social and educational upheaval, student participation in school government was generally limited to such burning issues as cafeteria food choices or possible prom themes. Woe to those who wanted a more substantive voice.
Just like today’s students, youthful protesters of my era were belittled as inexperienced, impudent children who didn’t appreciate their school, their country or their luck. Then as now, patriotism and loyalty were narrowly defined by many. They extolled our constitutional right to free speech, but condemned those who would exercise that right to disagree with or question the status quo. It is unfair to teach our students to think, then chastise them for doing so.
In my high school days, there were, just like today, teachers who instilled a love of learning, and those whose only interest was compliance and control. Each of us can name those teachers that inspired us and those who should have sought other employment. This makes the idea of performance-based compensation and review appealing. But like “standardized” tests, the question is who establishes the standard?
There are no simple answers to these questions. The answer doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be good. The independent party assessing the pay-for-performance plan, advised against adopting it. Though the board agreed to use the third-party, they disregarded the recommendation.
Do the actions of this board come as a surprise to anyone? This is exactly what should have been expected by anyone who read their positions as candidates. It was their stated intent to “reform” Jeffco schools in the manner they are practicing. When only 33 percent of voters bothered to cast a ballot, one wonders how many did their homework.
So what’s the real history lesson? Vote! Do your homework, citizen! Familiarize yourself with the candidates and issues, make informed decisions and vote. Let’s not settle for “getting the government we deserve” by pre-election apathy and post-election outrage.
Instead of the government we deserve, let’s strive to get the government we want. Let’s teach our children a real lesson in patriotism by participating in the democratic process. Inform yourself about candidates and issues at all levels.
This is the great part of living in this very unique and democratic society. We have access to information and the ballot box. Let’s hold all elected officials responsible to relearn the art of compromise and working together. And let’s thank these students for restarting the conversation.
Andre Dion has worked for 38 years as a machine operator, supervisor, and currently training manager in a glass bottle manufacturing facility in Wheat Ridge.
