June 7, 2015                      

 

Bothell/Kenmore Reporter - Letter to the Editor

A community coming together and moving forward 

 

Recent events in the Northshore School District have uncovered a painful reality: an epidemic of racism, intolerance and bullying in our schools.

 

During the May 26 School Board meeting parents, students and community members came forward to share their experiences and address their concerns and fears. It was heartbreaking to hear the racially motivated attacks some of our children have endured. No child should ever feel afraid to go to school. No family should ever feel that staff and administrators are not listening to their pleas for help.

 

The community has called on the School Board and the Superintendent to take immediate action to change the climate and culture of our schools; to create an environment where students feel safe and valued. I believe this has been a wake-up call; one to which the District is now responding.

 

Superintendent Francois recently issued a letter to our community. I believe it is a heartfelt response to a deeply distressing situation. In his letter he details the first steps the District will be taking to address the issue of racism, intolerance and bullying in our schools. It is a multi-layered approach that includes working with our community, providing cultural competency, diversity and equity training for staff and administration, reinstating a mechanism through which confidential reporting can be made, and continuing to support schools in implementing Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS).

 

Superintendent Francois has called on all students, parents, staff and community members to help move our school community forward to a better, safer place. I echo Superintendent Francois’ belief that together we can make a positive difference in our schools and in our community. I believe Northshore can become a place where all children feel safe and valued. Where parents are treated with respect, and are considered as partners in their child's educational experience. Where teachers and support staff are treated with dignity; A place that is more "family" than "institution;” A place where our administrators and our school board directors listen and care.

 

The school district is taking the first steps in a long, but worthwhile journey. I think we can all be a positive part of the process and join the District in moving forward.

 

Berta Phillips

 

May 1, 2015

 

Bothell/Kenmore Reporter - Letter to the Editor

 

Northshore teachers vote for a one-day walkout

 

I support our teachers and district staff as they seek to encourage the state legislature to fulfill its legal obligation to fullfund education. I also support families who can be considered as part of our vulnerable population, for whom a one day walk-out by our teachers creates, not an inconvenience, but a hardship. I do not believe that the two concepts – supporting teachers and supporting families – are mutually exclusive.

 

It was my hope that the teachers would vote, not to close school for a day, but to “walkout” during their early release time, thus sparing those families any hardship, while still achieving their goal of drawing attention to the educational funding crisis in this state. I do not know whether or not that was presented to the teachers as an option.

 

The teachers have voted to approve a one day walkout. While I do not think that is the best way to get their point across, I do still support them in their struggle to get our legislators to “fix” the funding problems. I have reached out to families in my community who may need help on May 6 when the schools are closed for the day. I hope others will do the same. I also hope others will join me as I participate with the teachers in one of their afternoon rallies on May 6.

 

We are all in this together. You know, the whole “it takes a village” thing. We are that village! Let’s work together to support our teachers and school district staff, as well as the families in our community.

 

Berta Phillips