Mom (Parent): The following letter was submitted to local print publications. It was not published. Letter to the Editor It is that time of year again when goblins, witches, princesses and super heroes will flood our streets for the Halloween tradition of trick or treat. The problem is our kids in Highlands Ranch and Douglas County have been in a Halloween environment for several years in our public neighborhood schools. The tricks have been many and the treats very few. Recently, DC school board president, Kevin Larsen penned a glowing report about the status of Douglas County schools. Despite all the high sounding phrases like “pay for performance,” the school district has moved in the direction of a rule bound bureaucracy that stifles creativity. Statistics show that many teachers and principals have left the Douglas County school system. The reasons are many, but first-hand accounts verify a creatively stifling and punitive atmosphere. No wonder teacher morale is low. It is argued by some on our existing board that public education must operate like a for profit business. Charging fees for courses and for transportation on the school bus is a burden on parents and limits educational opportunities for children with fewer resources. A good elementary school, by the existing standards is one with PTO fund raisers that raise $100,000.00 or more per year to meet needed instructional costs. Meanwhile, the district administrative staff is very well paid and does not need to have bake sales or silent auctions to raise more money. I take exception with Mr. Larsen’s portrayal of a school district in great shape that is striving for world class status. The spin does not make it so and now we see the erosion spreading to other counties in the state. The state legislature must act to ensure quality and equal educational opportunity for all our children. Mr. Larsen has endorsed my opponent. That alone speaks volumes about this election. Please vote for change! Henry Barlow Democratic Nominee for Colorado HD 43 Highlands Ranch, CO 720-275-6012
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 12:59:01 +0000
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