Being Punished with the Delphi TechniquePosted: 2014-02-10
Peggy McClain 2-9-14
Remember the first day of your childrens' academic years? The first day of school the kids came home with backpacks full of classroom information, goals for the year, an introductory letter from the teacher, and millions of papers for the parents to fill out. Somewhere in that pile was a date and time for Open House, or I guess it's now called Curriculum Night.
And each year we parents happily attended, anxious to get to know the new teacher and classroom goals while secretly hoping our child wasn't already a couple weeks behind on homework.
A common theme at each Curriculum Night was the staff's hospitality. All the teachers and principals seemed so happy we showed up and took an interest in our children and their studies.
Fast forward to the 2013-2014 Tempe Union High School District Sex Ed debate. Everyone currently involved continues to be hospitable, whether we agree or disagree with the curriculums offered to this point. I honestly feel the TUHSD Sex Ed Committee is taking this responsibilty very seriously. While I think they are tired and want this resolved, I commend them for not making a hasty decision.
So, why the sudden rush when the taxpayers have something to say? Why does the committee limit the number of public comments? I know there is an agenda to follow at each meeting, but think about this: Parents and citizens hear constantly that they aren't involved enough in their kids' educations.
Now Tempe and Ahwatukee parents are getting involved. Obviously sex is a hot button issue for a number of reasons. And due to the national attention TUHSD has drawn as it walks a tightrope between SB1009, outside agencies pushing their curriculums, and anxious parents, it shouldn't be a surprise that folks are actually showing up to the committee meetings, many wanting to speak.
I'm told there were 17 citizens who got the opportunity to share their thoughts on February 4th, 2014 for no more than two minutes each. I can guarantee there was at least an 18th who was not called upon. During the second and last opportunity for public comment, Zita Johnson, committee head, announced there were only 15 minutes alloted for the remaining requests to speak. How many others besides myself, for or against any of the proposed curriculums, were shut out of the process?
My golden ticket to request to speak was turned in 20 minutes before the meeting started. The last person called on to speak turned her ticket in about six minutes before the meeting ended. It's clear the committee is punishing me, and possibly others. My continued opposition to and exposure of Planned Parenthood does not align with the district's plans, I'm sure.
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