Letter: Trouble in Rhinelander School District by Fred Andrist
Editor:
I recently attended a committee meeting that dealt with coaching compensation, teacher evaluation and teacher drug testing. I feel compelled to address two major concerns from that meeting-but undoubtedly have many more.
The chairs for the audience were full. When Board Committee Chair Grady Hartman asked for input from those in the audience, I don’t believe it was a slip of the tongue when he said “Are there any comments from the peanut gallery?” Certainly his comment trivialized any concerns that might have been raised by those in attendance. While he might say he was just kidding, I’m concerned that it might show how he really feels about input from the community.
Then after some board members on the committee asked some very good questions of the coaching committee on their proposal for compensation, Mr. Erdahl weighed in with his concerns. He urged the board to honor the committee’s work by not “re-litigating” the issue, and to just accept the committee’s recommendation. Isn’t that what the job of the board is-to question and probe everything brought before it to be sure that every issue has been thoroughly investigated and discussed?
I would urge any concerned person to attend these meetings and make sure your input is sought and respected. There are some that would like to limit debate for their own purposes. While I understand some input may not be in agreement with those that think they know best, it should at least be valued if they are asking for it.
A school district is no place to discourage involvement of the citizens!
Fred Andrist, Rhinelander
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.