Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 121 ~ May 22, 2005
Highlights of the May 25 School Board meeting: the Superintendent will give a report on the proposed policy of letting kids out of school for medical reasons without their parents' knowledge or permission; and a list of proposed cuts for the board to consider. Also, regarding that first item, there are a couple letters below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
There will be a closed session at 6 p.m. to consider what appears to be some unpleasant business, the possible explusion of three Santa Fe Middle School students and to consider "Public Employee Complaint regarding District employees."
At the regular meeting, at 7 p.m., it looks as if there will be two hot items on the agenda.
The first, (item 4.5) is a report from Superintendent Louise Taylor titled "Status report: Confidential Medical Release
discussion (Attendance Policy)." This is clearly the "let your kid out of school for medical treatment without your knowledge or permission" discussion that has already begun. (And thank you, school district, for labeling this agenda item so it is comprehensible.) So, if you have something to say about this proposed policy, here's an opportunity to let the board know what you think.
By the way, regarding this issue. I think that if you are angry about it (I am) most of your anger should be aimed at our state attorney general, who issued the opinion that is prompting the school board to consider this measure. However, it seems the board is considering going along with his opinion (hopefully not, but it kinda seemed that way), and this seems rather blameworthy to me. I'm not a legal expert, but there are lawyers and there are lawyers and they all have different opinions. Just because the attorney general has a legal opinion doesn't say to me that the schools need to kowtow to him. If neither the Legislature or the state Supreme Court has validated the AG's opinion, I'd say it's still a very open question. I think the district should chat with other districts that have refused to be browbeaten and try to work together against this usurpation of parental authority.
Sorry, just had to get that out.
The other hot item (item 7.5) is to receive budget reduction recommendations for the 2005-06 school year. I guess this is where the board gets a list of possible things to cut. This sort of thing is never pleasant.
Also on the agenda, the board will honor the staff of Clifton Middle School on the school's recent designation as a California Distinguished School. Congratulations, Clifton! You've come a long way.
The board will also consider approving a new high school course called "contemporary journalism" (Maybe we could send the graduates to straighten out Newsweek) and will receive a report on options for using vacant classroom space at Canyon Early Learning Center.
A GREAT LOSS ~ My 12-year-old son, 6th grade, isn't allowed to ride his bike around the block without me knowing - The ACLU has caused so much damage to our society when it makes people afraid that they will be sued if they use common sense in raising their own children - I agree with Clare -the schools are for ACADEMIC reasons - I try now to schedule any appointments during after school hours, so that my children do not miss classes. If this is allowed to pass, I am sure there will be a great loss of students from the public school system - greater than already happens when they get to these ages! If West Covina could stand up with common sense, let us hope that Monrovia can as well!
AND AN OPEN LETTER ~ Dear MUSD Board Members,
As a parent of four children whose ages range between 6-16 years of age, I am asking you to review and reconsider the stand you are about to take regardng Attendance Policy #5113.
I drop my children off at three different schools every day between the hours of 7:45-8:15 AM. I pick up at three different schools every day between the hours of 11:30 AM-3:10 PM. And this is where I trust they stay! I expect them to be there and stay there, under that school's care, every single school day - for one thing and one thing only - to be educated! That, thank you, is the school's ONLY JOB! MY JOB is to parent these children! If any one of my children, for whatever reason, needs to leave school grounds - I'll be there for them to pick-up, and take to whatever, whenever, wherever it is they need to go! This is MY JOB, duty, and responsibility as their parent.
After reviewing your proposed attendance policy - seems to me that you are somewhat overstepping certain parental boundaries that ought not concern YOU the SCHOOL, but rather concern ME the PARENT. Again, I ask you to carefully review the proposed policy and to reconsider the possible consequences and ramifications of implementing such a policy. Please reserve parental rights for parents over their children - do not turn this over to the schools - they're there to teach - not to parent. Thank you for your consideration. -- Maria Gray
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com