USSN: Speaking Up

April 2, 2003 NOVATO ADVANCE

End the Ridicule

Editor:
We are disturbed by two Letters to the Editor letters to the editor of Feb. 19 and March 5 of a similar theme.

Both letters strongly criticize, and sometimes ridicule, the Novato Unified School District School Board and administration for various acts and attributes. We find this manner of communication counter-productive. At this time of great uncertainty, our school leaders are doing all they can to reach out to the community; we applaud these efforts. With our state in the worst financial crisis in history, collaboration is key in helping to solve the many problems and tough times that lie ahead.

In particular, the letter dated Feb. 19 stated that last November’s vote to pilot the “World of Difference” material was inappropriate due to “improper placement of this as an action item.” We disagree. We learned that the Board asked for and received a legal review from their attorney which supports the Board’s handling of this agenda item. In addition, we want others to know that this nationally recognized and acclaimed material, developed by the Anti-Defamation League, has been reviewed by school committees (including staff and parents) for over two years.

The great majority of those who have reviewed this material have recommended its adoption as part of the pilot program.

We think the school district has done a thorough job of getting input from the community; indeed there have been numerous occasions where extensive public perspective both for and against “World of Difference” has been aired before the Board. It should also be noted that the November vote was for piloting the updated version of WOD — the preceding version having been used and appreciated in Novato schools for years.

We also disagree with the March 5 letter, in which the author asserts that the Board and administration have thwarted “the community and do as they please.”

As parents, many of us have served on committees and attended Board meetings where the Board and administrators have listened for hours to public comment and debate on many, many issues, including the diversity pilots. Again, in our experience these public servants have read the e-mails and letters, listened to public dialogue, and made decisions based on best practice and the law.

We may or may not agree with all their decisions, but it is unfair to say that they have disregarded public input. The author may not agree with some Board votes, but this does not mean that the Board is not listening to the “common people,” as he claims.

Mark Brand,
Berta Campos-Anicetti,
Margaret and Dan Levine, and
Annan Paterson
United for Safe Schools Novato


	April 2, 2003 NOVATO ADVANCE End the Ridicule Editor: We are disturbed by two Letters to the Editor letters to the editor of Feb. 19 and March 5 of a similar theme. Both letters strongly criticize, and sometimes ridicule, the Novato Unified School District School Board and administration for various acts and attributes. We find this manner of communication counter-productive. At this time of great uncertainty, our school leaders are doing all they can to reach out to the community; we applaud these efforts. With our state in the worst financial crisis in history, collaboration is key in helping to solve the many problems and tough times that lie ahead. In particular, the letter dated Feb. 19 stated that last November’s vote to pilot the “World of Difference” material was inappropriate due to “improper placement of this as an action item.” We disagree. We learned that the Board asked for and received a legal review from their attorney which supports the Board’s handling of this agenda item. In addition, we want others to know that this nationally recognized and acclaimed material, developed by the Anti-Defamation League, has been reviewed by school committees (including staff and parents) for over two years. The great majority of those who have reviewed this material have recommended its adoption as part of the pilot program. We think the school district has done a thorough job of getting input from the community; indeed there have been numerous occasions where extensive public perspective both for and against “World of Difference” has been aired before the Board. It should also be noted that the November vote was for piloting the updated version of WOD — the preceding version having been used and appreciated in Novato schools for years. We also disagree with the March 5 letter, in which the author asserts that the Board and administration have thwarted “the community and do as they please.” As parents, many of us have served on committees and attended Board meetings where the Board and administrators have listened for hours to public comment and debate on many, many issues, including the diversity pilots. Again, in our experience these public servants have read the e-mails and letters, listened to public dialogue, and made decisions based on best practice and the law. We may or may not agree with all their decisions, but it is unfair to say that they have disregarded public input. The author may not agree with some Board votes, but this does not mean that the Board is not listening to the “common people,” as he claims. Mark Brand, Berta Campos-Anicetti, Margaret and Dan Levine, and Annan Paterson United for Safe Schools Novato
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