ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” article. It is an editorial by the editor.
While virtually attending the school board meetings Monday night for Hopkins and Wayland, I was struck by the notion both groups were doing something we don’t see from state and federal elected officials.
They made tough and necessary decisions. They did not kick the can down the road. They did not allow deep-seated fears and emotions rule their decision making process. They certainly expressed disagreements, but they did so, as Wayland Board President Cinnamon Mellema observed, in a dignified, respectful and intelligent manner.
Sometimes during an elected officials’ careers of service, tough decisions have to be made under duress. As Wayland Trustee Gary Wood said, the issue of returning to school in the midst of a pandemic is likely the most consequential the board members ever will make.
They are aware of it, and many said they have experienced sleepless nights as a result.
That said, it should be noted that I have promoted the position of starting the academic year entirely on-line because of the potential dangers of the spread of the Coronavirus. I have told friends and colleagues I don’t see the wisdom of allowing our children, grandchildren and their teachers to play Russian Roulette in our classrooms.
But that opinion may be unfair.
Superintendent Dr. Christina Hinds at Wayland, Hopkins Supt. Gary Wood and Martin Supt. Brooke Ballee-Stone all have reported that parents in their districts have overwhelmingly indicated their support for face-to-face instruction, bringing the kids back to school under strict health regulations to minimize the risks.
To be sure, parent Ken Evans rightly suggested to the Wayland board Monday night that there are times mob rule should not be observed.
But I’ve been more than disappointed in some commentary I’ve read on social media that suggest the board members are clueless and don’t care about the lives of students and teachers. I don’t believe that for a minute.
The immortal words of James Doohan (Scotty) on “Star Trek” apply here, “Aye, Captain, I’m doing the best I can.”
Though I disagree with the decisions to have Martin kids go to school five days a week and Wayland and Hopkins follow the hybrid (two days a week) model, I wish state and federal lawmakers had such courage to do what they sincerely believe to be the best in a perilous situation.
I acknowledge that the kids and teachers may be back home by next month, and I hope there are no casualties. If there are, it won’t be because those who made the decision didn’t care.
Meanwhile, all of us collectively need to do what we can to try to help and endure the best possible outcome.
