Today's Letters: Parents must look at bigger picture

Re: Never seen a board like this Feb. 10 letter

I'd like to address Colleen Caldwell's letter regarding the location selected by the Hernando County School Board for the centralized gifted program. First, however, I'd like to express my everlasting appreciation to the board for finally uniting in its vote of support for commencing toward centralizing the gifted program in the county. This has been a long-standing and contentious issue between both parents of gifted children and the board. Just the fact that the board voted in favor and designated a site for the program is a huge victory for parents.

Unfortunately, the much-debated site of the center has eclipsed this hallmark decision, and Ms. Caldwell's letter expresses an attitude from some of our parents, which needs to be addressed. She states her son entered the gifted program this year at Chocochatti Elementary. It has only been until recently (the past few months, not the entire school year) that serious discussion of centralizing the program for school year 2008-09 by the School Board and establishing a task force committee for their recommendations has occurred. And it has only been until recently (the past four weeks) that a location by the task force (Challenger K-8) was recommended.

Ms. Caldwell, you are by no means the only parent in this county who has children in different schools. There are a multitude of parents every day (and not just those in magnet schools) who face the challenges of delivering each of their children to separate school locations, trying to balance each school's obligatory plays, awards ceremonies, fall and winter carnivals, etc., as well as juggling the different drop-off and pick-up times.

However, "for the convenience of (your) family," should the future of the other 500-plus gifted children be compromised to accommodate you and any other Challenger parent who feels put upon to uproot their child to make the move to Explorer K-8? There are far more children in this county who will make the same change as Ms. Caldwell's child. The School Board decision will not force any family to choose to have their child attend a school they do not wish to go to. Each parent of a gifted child in Hernando County has been, and always will be, allowed to choose the best educational route most appropriate for their child. Every parent will be allowed the choice to decide if the new centralized gifted program is in the best interest of his or her child.

Every gifted child in this county experiences frustration, disappointment and an extreme lack of a cohesive gifted curriculum every day. There may be some parents too afraid to take this next step for their child. They may choose to continue within the safe confines of what is most familiar for their child, and that is perfectly within their rights as a caring parent. However, the rest of us also have the right to choose what is in the best interest for our children.

I implore every parent of a gifted child to think outside his or her own sphere. Put aside your own personal inconveniences and look at the bigger picture and the opportunities this new program offers every gifted child. As a group, we have asked for support for our children. Now that we have finally won this hard-fought battle with the School Board, we would be taking several giant steps backward to thumb our nose at something so insignificant as location. Within the next few weeks, we will have more information regarding what the program will offer.

The Hernando County School Board is preparing to launch an unprecedented, countywide gifted program, the likes of which could soon rival the best in our state, if only we take this next step. I implore you to take this step as a collective and cohesive group, rather than a cracked and fractured group of unappreciative parents.

Lori Lee, Brooksville

Alexander starts in right direction

Hernando County schools superintendent Wayne Alexander is off to a positive start with common sense, insight and thoughtful leadership. I want to comment on the direction the district's going since Dr. Alexander has taken over the leadership position, and share a few of my own thoughts and suggestions.

Dr. Alexander had given all Hernando County teachers his direct phone number and e-mail to be contacted regarding anything the teacher thinks might be important. That was a critical first step -- positive, considerate, and showed respect and concern.

Implementing a new plan for updating the personal computers with a leased contract is terrific and should benefit every student in the county.

School uniforms for all grade levels couldn't come soon enough and is a breath of fresh air. The teachers and school employees also should be given a professional dress policy in order to ensure that all staff is presentable.

Drug testing randomly for Hernando County students has been received with criticism. It is extremely important that all teachers and employees of the district be randomly drug tested, as well. It not only will ensure that teachers and employees are clean and sober, it will stop and prevent teachers from doing drugs recreationally and thinking they can get by. There is a percentage of teachers who would resign without ever being tested because they don't want to be embarrassed and/or caught. This would save the district the time, energy and resources, and give the entire school district a lift.

The issue of inclusion is necessary for ESE students and is a serious concern. It is my understanding that some classes are approaching 50 percent ESE. Where is the interest to protect the mainstream students?

State mandates for following rules and procedures relating to the FCAT and Florida Writes goes without saying. However, it is extremely important that it be known to the parents and public that children today are being passed through to the next grade even though their grades and class work are poor and failing. Obviously, no superintendent or teacher would intentionally pass a failing student unless they were forced to by a broken-down state system that doesn't have the funds to support real guidelines. To be frank, every taxpayer in the county should know that children won't be held back no matter their performance.

I'd like to see term limits for School Board members so that no member can serve more then two terms. The intent is to serve the community and improve the school district, not to collect a salary and income at the expense of the taxpayer.

There is no question Dr. Alexander's leadership and performance is a major improvement toward the open, honest environment that has long been needed.

Jim Fike, Spring Hill

[Last modified February 21, 2008, 20:29:10]