Holiday activities and our schools

This week a local radio program initiated a discussion about winter celebrations and observances in our schools. At this time of year, we often hear comments or questions related to that topic.

As a school system, we embrace the fundamental dignity and respect of each individual. That means we have a responsibility to protect individual rights even when majority views may be to the contrary. In keeping with that philosophy, we strive to ensure that no individual student feels excluded or singled out at any time, especially during the holidays.

Music, drama or literature with religious themes may be presented in our schools if done so in an objective manner, without sectarian indoctrination or other endorsement of religion. Many of our schools display Christmas trees in their lobbies. They include traditional Christmas carols in their musical performances along with songs about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Students create art projects featuring Santa Claus.

Christmas is not absent from our schools; it exists there right alongside many other religious and cultural traditions of the season.

Occasionally misunderstandings occur with regard to religious and cultural celebrations and observances. To prevent such misunderstandings, our schools strive to focus on educational aspects to advance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the global role religions and cultures have played in the development of our civilization. (Read Board Policy IGAC: Teaching About Religion.)

I always appreciate your comments. If you would like to weigh in on this topic, please leave a comment on my blog or call 523-0000.

New bond proposal postponed

The focus of the school board’s strategic discussion this month centered around the potential for an April 2009 bond proposal to continue the district’s plan to go to the voters every three years with a bond initiative to address urgent facility needs. Since 2000, our community has generously supported bond proposals which have significantly improved the learning environment for students across our district.

Passage of an April 2009 bond would have continued this effort with a list of very important building improvements, including the completion of our air-conditioning projects. Although I consider these projects to be of great importance in improving our facilities for students, I believe the decision by the board to delay the bond election was the proper approach to take.

Our stakeholders understand the need for these improvements, and to their credit, many would be in line to vote in support of a bond in April 2009. However, we understand that while many community members are supportive of our efforts some may be struggling to make ends meet in this tough economic time. By holding off past April, a number of factors should become clearer at which time we will engage our stakeholders again in a discussion about setting a new date for a bond election.

For those of you who would prefer action in April 2009, I ask for your patience and understanding. For those who are struggling at this time but have supported the students of Springfield with past votes, please continue to stay engaged as we work though these times and make decisions that will be best for the entire community.

I look forward to hearing from you about this issue and urge you to submit a comment. Based on input from readers of this blog, I have decided to post your comments for all to read. As you submit your thoughts and opinions, please pose them in a manner that will contribute to constructive discourse. Thank you.