by 
I am a grandparent, a life-long resident and a taxpayer of this community. I would like to express my feelings about the present Superior Unified School District governing board and superintendent.
The present school board has worked countless hours trying to bring our school system up to speed with State and Federal mandates. They have made the necessary changes to effectively produce students to face this challenging world. Although change causes much discomfort and disappointment within the administration and staff there will be no progress without that change.
The superintendent has hosted monthly programs in which staff and family members are encouraged to attend. Various speakers and presentations provide vital information on how family, community members , teachers and students can see and take advantage of different opportunities to provide higher quality education. I have attended some of these programs and they have been ill attended by the community. Other events such as the Thanksgiving Luncheon and ice cream social had many attendees. Must it always be a social event that gets people out to see what their student may need to get the most of their education?
The staff and administration need to continue working together while keeping an open mind and an open line of dialogue to accept changes necessary for SUSD t become a wiser, safer, conscientious and disciplined environment for our students.
I disagree with Ms. Doyle’s accusations (Letter to the editor, May 21, 2014) that our schools are hostile and students and staff are fearful. It would be interesting if the parents of those students involved in the stated incidents would allow the school personnel to publicly discuss the specific information as related to their student. The Federal Education Records Protection Act does not allow school personnel to discuss student information without written permission from the parents. To say they are in denial or sweeping it under the rug or not discussing it at board meeting means they are staying in compliance with laws.
I agree that family and community members should be more involved with the school – but not just the school board meetings. Take the opportunity to check out some of the various programs to encourage the students and their educators. Monthly there is Superior 20/20 meetings as well as family involvement activities. These are designed to get family members and community members involved in the school’s programs and information.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/JoAnn Besich
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