I woke up Wednesday morning sad, and honestly confused, when seeing the news that the Cape district referendum failed this week. My first thought: How could so many people walk into our schools and vote against our kids, teachers and administrators? Again.
Since moving to Rehoboth Beach, my family and I have been welcomed by neighbors, new friends, small business owners and the school community. Whether it’s a friendly wave from a passing car, a neighbor stopping by to see what we’re doing with our gardens or a fellow parent giving us tips about camps, activities or sports, it’s clear that this is a community that cares. Over the past couple of weeks I, like many other parents, have been chaperoning school field trips. Those are good days – so many smiling, eager faces, teachers doing the absolute most for each and every one of their students, and parents there to support however they can.
I was surprised to see some of the misinformation being shared from fellow community members about the impact of the referendum, but I trusted that in the end the majority of us would choose to support our schools and realize that the community-wide benefits of well-funded schools clearly outweigh the pains of slightly increased tax rates. But what happens now? Overcrowded classrooms, staffing cuts, limited resources – I can’t imagine that anyone here wants that.
I am still optimistic that the majority of us care about the greater good and understand that an investment in our schools is an investment in our entire community. If you are shaking your head while reading any of this, my humble suggestion is to step away from cable news and social media. Get some fresh air, talk to your neighbors, call our school district and see if there are ways you can volunteer or help – get to know that part of the community even if you do not have school-aged children here. I think you’ll start to realize that no one is out to get you or take advantage of you and your money. Rather, we’re all doing our best, including our school board who is working to make our schools as good as they can possibly be. And that’s good for all of us.
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