RECALL A POSITIVE THING

RECALL A POSITIVE THING

Dear Editor:
A large group of community members living within the St. Helena Unified School District have come together and formed Citizens for Quality Education (C4QE). This broad based group has, over the last several months, become increasingly concerned with the complacency of the SHUSD board of trustees. They are not listening to community. The problem has escalated to the point where one of the five board members resigned stating "he had no voice" and "didn't want to be a part of this administration". Wow. Strong statements for a person in the trenches working hard to provide a meaningful difference for our kids.

Putting aside our fundamental right to voice our concerns and initiate a recall of the board, C4QE feel strongly about four points:
1. We prefer our tax dollars be spent on educational programs and teachers versus overpaid administrators.
2. We want a Board that listens to their constituents and encourages positive, open dialog.
3. We want an independent Board, one that leads and manages verses being led and managed.
4. We want to voice our concerns and opinions to our publicly elected officials and school administrators without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

We feel the process of a recall, successful or not, is and will be an enormously positive thing for this small school district of 1,400 kids. It is opening the door on how the Board and Administration really work, i.e. bringing transparency to board and administration actions. It is educating the community (and our donors) about our school finances and where our tax dollars are being spent. It is engaging the community in a discussion about the educational process. It has prompted parents to investigate and question the district's priorities regarding the education of our children. A recall also provides a confidential avenue for school district employees to voice their opinion. The recall will make this school district stronger.

Kevin Alfaro
SHUSD parent of 3