WT Editorial - Let's Embrace School Forums

EDITORIAL: Wilson Times

The second of three public forums featuring the Wilson County Board of Education and the local NAACP chapter offered proof that’s it’s healthy when such groups sit down and talk openly about concerns. While such meetings are not without counterproductive moments, they are a welcome sign that a community — in this case, Wilson — wants to sort through issues rather than let differences in understanding define relationships.


The NAACP and the school board have done their parts so far (although we'd like not to see three school board members missing at the next discussion). What's needed in the third and final forum in October is for the public to get more involved. Here is an opportunity to take part in a community discussion about Wilson County's most influential public asset. Let's make it count and get more bodies in the room.

School board members answered questions about term limits, sensitivity training, college preparation policies and the elimination of summer school at last week's forum. In contrast to the first forum, members of the audience this time got a chance to follow up directly when they felt questions hadn't been answered satisfactorily. That change was a good one. It assures such community events are not simply dog and pony shows and increases the likelihood of meaningful dialogue.

The only thing is, too few people showed up to take advantage of this opportunity. September is a busy month. The new school year has moved into full swing, with meetings, homework and sports. There's also an election in less than two months and that has things buzzing.

Yet for these two groups to agree to meet and talk about potentially contentious issues in this open format is unprecedented. It is good for Wilson County and more people should want to take advantage of it.

What's so important? For one thing, the simple fact of airing questions can clear up misunderstanding and misinformation about school policies -- or identify places where misunderstanding and misinformation need to be confronted.

For another thing, it gives two groups of people that sometimes find themselves on differing sides an opportunity to talk in public outside the pressure of crisis or controversy. It's much easier under those circumstances to see each other as partners, not adversaries.

There's a third benefit as well. Any time public issues can be brought up and talked over in an open way it strengthens a community. Wilson should welcome that.

The final NAACP forum is scheduled for Oct. 28, 7 p.m., at Springfield Middle School. The discussion will focus on lowering high school dropout rates and improving graduation rates. Those are critical pieces of work for this community. Everyone ought to be involved in the discussion. This time, let's resolve to fill the room.

* Editorial was written by Wilson Times editor Jon Jimison.

COMMENTS:

KH said...
The NAACP has done something that is rarely, if ever, done. They brought the board members and the Superintendent to the table and actually had dialog about school issues and concerns. Just because the NAACP initiated it does not mean that it is applicable to only "minority" students. The next forum deals with high school drop outs and anyone who has a child/student that is having difficulties in school of any kind should attend the next meeting. These opportunities for questions and answers with board members do not come along often so please try to attend. Let's actually discuss the concerns and talk about how "we" can all help to make the learning environment better for all students. JMO

reason for low attendance said...
Honestly, when the meetings were written about in the paper they seemed geared to minority students. That turned off a lot of people from going. Unfortunately, when they talked about the meetings, the NAACP, probably unintentionally, seemd to indicate it was really about what can be done for minority students instead of all students. The discussion about school should be between parents and administration and focus should be given to all students not just minority students. The agenda seemed to be more about the sensetivity of teachers and politcial correctness than about improving methods and curriculum.

* Citizens' Comments appeared in the online commment section of the Wilson Times.