Kudos to Sandi Minard for the fine job she is doing representing Cape District residents on the school board. It was evident at the May 9 Cape school board meeting at Mariner Middle School that Ms. Minard comes prepared, having done research on topics to be discussed. It was obvious, also, that she is actively and respectfully listening and responding to teacher, parent and citizen concerns.
Her knowledge of the agenda items of the evening (Common Core Standards, Bible Literacy Project and the Facilities Task Force) was commendable.
Thumbs up also to Jen Burton and Spencer Brittingham for doing their homework, working actively on solutions and coming to the meeting prepared to discuss the topics at hand. Sadly, some others on the board were embarrassingly not prepared to discuss agenda topics. It was shocking that many had little knowledge of the Common Core Standards that are to be implemented in two months. Is it too much to expect elected officials to come to their meetings prepared to participate in discussions with some background knowledge?
The biggest thumbs down of the evening goes to Roni Posner for using the "I'm offended" ploy to try and squelch discussion of the Bible Literacy Project. The use of this old and tired tactic was at best disrespectful to the presenters of the project and audience attendees in favor of including this literacy project as an elective at Cape Henlopen High School. Does Ms. Posner actually believe that by stating she was offended, all discourse should cease? It is a sad state of affairs in this country when mention of the word Bible elicits such sanctimonious outrage. The Bible Literacy Project should be looked at with open minds. Discussion should be focused on the value and merit of the program for use as an elective instead of board members bringing personal biases into play. A great deal more information on the Common Core Standards should also be gathered with so many questions still needing to be answered.
Hopefully, at the next board meeting, all members will come prepared to discuss agenda topics in an informed and respectful manner after having reached out to their constituents. Elected school board members represent the will of their constituents for the good of public school students in the region. They are not elected to force personal biases on the decision- making process.
I look forward to the next meeting.
Donna Repass
Lewes
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