Dear Wake County School Board

For those of you who don't know, the Wake County School Board is voting for policy that sides-steps (and negates) a long-standing, publicly acclaimed diversity policy. Bear in mind, this diversity policy is not based on racial or ethnic diversity, but on economic diversity, meaning that all schools look very similar when you look at the incomes of the families whose children attend. I think one could make an argument that there are no poor schools in Wake County and this is because of actions taken by the board several years ago.

The Wake County School Board holds time during each of its meetings for public address, time for citizens to speak to the Board. Students, community leaders and parents have all taken time to speak at these meetings, defending the current diversity policy and defending the School Board. I know that at least one educator has spoken, but I'm not sure if any others have spoken. That being said, there will be at least one more educator after tonight: me.

I'm including my speech below for those of you who won't be at the meeting (which is probably most of you). I'm not sure what kind of impact I'm hoping for, but I will speak none-the-less.

When we make decisions that oppress the oppressed, we lose our civility. When the areas of poverty, the rural and inner-city areas, are isolated, civilization breaks down. For example, there is an elementary school in Wake County with 63 confirmed homeless students. If the board votes to enact community-based assignment, that number could jump to 150.

As an employee, an educator, in the Wake County Public School System and as a citizen of Wake County, I respect the members of the board as both my superiors and as elected officials. I also understand that it is my right and my privilege to speak out when I believe those in authority are making a mistake. Perhaps it is my limited experience, but I look at you and I see you making a decision that could make poor schools poorer, a decision that will concentrate poverty.I cannot see how such a decision will benefit those who need most to be supported and encouraged by those who are more fortunate. I cannot see how a school board could expect impacted teachers to deal with the increased struggles of caring for, much less educating, higher concentrations of poverty-stricken students.

As I look forward to the next year, the next five years, the next ten years of community-based assignment, I can see the free and reduced percentage at the school where I work approaching and surpassing those found in Camden, New Jersey, Detroit City Schools and Chicago City Schools.I have to ask myself if I will continue to work where I do, where I chose to work because of the opportunities currently afforded to me and to all of the students there. My answer: more than likely. But will Wake County, long praised for the caliber of teachers it retains, be able to maintain its high level of doctorates and master’s degrees and nationally board certified teachers. Will the nation continue to say “there are no bad schools in Raleigh”? I’m not so sure.

jhj