July Public Radio commentary

Our July commentary will air on WVPE (88.1 FM) on Thursday. July 10 at 7:35 AM and 12:30 PM

When last we spoke, I was expressing my belief that a change in emphasis is needed for our Kindergarten curriculum. Ironically, in between the time I recorded that - and the time it was broadcast – a South Bend School Corporation Meeting happened. And I happened to attend it.

I got there a bit late, and didn't find any copies of the agenda and it was standing room only. I was aware a major business item was to take public comments about proposed remedies for schools which are on probationary status - and that seemed to be just getting underway as I arrived. This was done school by school; residents would identify themselves and their address, then make their comment. A buzzer would sound if their allotted time expired.

There were a lot of thoughtful comments. Many of our fellow citizens, clearly nervous, spoke their hearts. They spoke of their efforts, the dreams they had for their children...Some spoke of ways they felt at least somewhat defeated by the system. Parents spoke, teachers spoke and childless citizens of the community as well.

After that process and a few housekeeping type issues, South Bend School Corporation Board President Sheila Bergeron dropped the bomb. From their closed session she introduced a motion to instruct the Board's legal consul to initiate buyout negotiations for the balance of Dr. Robert Zimmerman's contract as Superintendent of Schools.

As you’ve doubtlessly heard, this provoked anger and dismay from a great majority of the people attending. But it was a done deal – only two members dissented, though quite strongly.

I saw Carolyn Peterson for the first time at this meeting. Ms. Peterson is President of our local NEA chapter - the union (and bargaining agent) of and for our teachers. Their contract has expired, but that wasn't what she was there to talk about. Again and again she wearily made her way to the microphone with important information - throughout the roll call of probationary schools. She was there as an advocate for teachers, but much more as an advocate for our children. At the end of the meeting, when the public was allowed comment on "non-agenda items", Ms. Peterson (clearly heartbroken) took her turn (among many others) expressing bitter disappointment with the Board's action regarding Dr. Zimmerman.

The level of support Dr. Zimmerman had is at the very least noteworthy. I have no particular information or knowledge to enhance or detract from it. And I do realize that there are constraints regarding personnel matters. But it’s my view that the School Board gave the community no reason for any confidence in the process which led to their decision – and that’s an even bigger problem. If citizens have no confidence in the processes used by a School Board – they’re unlikely to have confidence in the Board itself.

Curiously, one of the current members – who happened to vote in the majority – had an Op Ed published in The South Bend Tribune recently. She laid out her view of how the search process for our next Superintendent ought to play out. I think much of what she had to say makes a great deal of sense, but it seems odd to have a public presentation like this from a single member of the Board – rather than a “sense of the Board” as a whole.

I’m sure it’s no coincidence that a long ago scheduled School Board Candidate Training Workshop, sponsored by the Community Coalition for School Boards, which was scheduled for shortly after this fateful School Board meeting, attracted over 100 participants. (I even had the pleasure of meeting well-known Michiana Chronicler, April Lidinsky – who, of course, is herself an educator, that evening). It was a very informative session and there was a lot of energy in the room. And it was clear that the sponsors were tickled to death both by the turnout, and by the participation.

I hope that energy continues, because positive change doesn’t happen on its own. I’ve recently heard from the sponsoring organization – they’re doing follow up right now. Hopefully, the people attending are weighing their options – whether that be running for office, backing a candidate or whatever effort seems most useful to them.

As you’ve heard, democracy is not a spectator sport.

Don Wheeler