Harrassment in a small town.......

[hmwnick]

1st alittle history:
Over the past few years our school district has been going down hill (to say the least). Low test scores, questionable actions by administration, & lack of directions, etc. A year ago we hired a new Superintendent that is committed to the progress of our students & making sure that all actions are legal (something that was not done before). Some drastic measures have been put in place as we are in danger of losing our accredidation (sp) due to low test scores in our high school. We have been functioning under the "good ol' boy" system for way to long.

Now to the present:
It has recently become public knowledge that this man & his family have been the victims of much harrassment. Things like death threats, slashed tires, dead animals left in their yard, blogs saying his high school son is gay, crank calls, etc. Things are so bad that he has decided to take a job in another district.

Today, we are holding a rally to show our support for this family & for what is right. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment.

If you have any experience w/ this type of problem or have suggestions, I'd like to hear from you. We could use some PD & prayers.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would show my support by moving also.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Wow, another side to small-town life that I never even considered.

 

[mirror mirror]

I would say don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in!!! Change starts with what people like you are doing. Great job!!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I'm not a quitter, but for the safety of his family, one can hardly blame the man for leaving. I taught in a small rural school with the jr high/HS building being just steps from the elementary. Two principals and one superintendant all under the same roof. I've seen how board members can think they're God and not take kindly to change. They do not always put the best interests of the children first. At this point the best hope that the community has is to prepare for the future by coming together and campaigning hard for new board members that are willing and prepared to accept change.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I'll tell you in my experience unless you have ALOT and I mean ALOT of people in that town willing to stand up to the Good Ole Boys it's almost not worth it. I know that sucks to say but I've lived in small towns and now I'm in a major good ole boy town and unless the citizens are ready to take financial hits and major backlash it's hard to make a change.

What are the students saying about this? I don't really blame the superintendent though. I have to ask is this a racial thing or just because it's a newcomer?

 

[hmwnick]

It's not a racial thing. The school board supports him fully. They were the ones that hired him.