Focusing on the Positive....

It has been a while since my last post. Unfortunately, a software glitch kept me from accessing my Google account and prevented me from posting anything to my blog. I admit it was a bit frustrating to not be able to communicate when I had so much I wanted to say, however in some ways it was a blessing. There were several incidents over the last month and a half that have made me angry and I suspect that if I could have accessed my blog, I might have written something I would later regret. Most troubling was the outright slander and public character assassination of a decent man and excellent coach by a small group of individuals based on fabrications and personal disagreements with his coaching philosophy and leadership style. Added to that were the disturbing tactics of some folks who are opposed to regionalization which focused on creating a climate of fear and uncertainty based on misinformation and prejudice. Repeated efforts to debase Harwich, its schools, and its students by calling into question a seeming disparity in MCAS or SAT scores and by suggesting an examination of comparable crime statistics in both towns were not only inappropriate but deeply troubling. It was surprisingly reminiscent of a previous regionalization attempt in the 1980's which failed due to heightened tensions over race and class which drove a wedge between the two towns. Sadly, that wedge has resurfaced and has impacted not only the regionalization debate but the normally collegial relationships among staff and students. As we approach the final decision, it is safe to say that the level of incivility in the debate has been very unfortunate leaving many to comment that they cannot wait for the issue to be resolved one way the other. And, soon it will be. Regardless of the resulting vote, we will need to move forward, eliminate the divisiveness, and restore civility to our school and community.

So lately, it seems as if we are drowning in negativity. I think we need to focus on some positives. While it is true that a recent survey of our student body did reflect a general opposition to regionalization, I have seen an amazing turnaround since the survey. Two weeks ago Harwich students spent a day in our school shadowing and, just this week, we sent sixteen students to spend a day at Harwich High School. It was amazing to watch students from both schools blend together in an instant, but more importantly to listen to them talk excitedly about their experiences and hear the stereotypes and fears evaporate. In the end, many of the students discovered what a lot of us already knew; the issues that set us apart from our neighbors pale in comparison to the number of things we share in common. Of course there will be transition issues, but in the end, should we elect to merge the two schools, we will discover that we really are all the same and before long people will wonder what all of the fuss was about.

On the eve of the town meeting vote I want to restate my position on the question of regionalization with Harwich. I am wholeheartedly in favor of merging our two fine schools and creating a dynamic new school system which will be a tremendous benefit to the students of both towns well into the future. On a personal note, this is my 39th year in public education. Having spent 28 years as a teacher and administrator at Harwich High School and the last 10 as the principal of our wonderful school, I see myself as being in a unique position. Almost a year ago I reached that numerical combination of one's age and years of service which allows one to retire with maximum benefits. However, the fact that I am still working should be an indication that I am not really ready to retire. Now, I readily accept the fact that I will probably not be part of the administrative team when the new school opens, but given my experience working in both school systems and my educational philosophy and leadership skills, I can think of no better way to bring my long career to a close than spending my last two or three years in education working on the transition to the new regional school. My effort will be dedicated to ensuring that not only all of the concerns of Chatham parents and staff are addressed, but more importantly that the new school and its curriculum and culture are the successful product of a true collaborative effort on the part of teachers, administrators, and students from both districts. That's my pledge; wrap up my career as a public educator bringing people together to build an exciting new school by merging the best of what Harwich and Chatham now have to offer. I am convinced that the results will truly awesome!

So for parents, community members, teachers and students, the stakes will be high this Monday evening. And I guess I have my own personal stake as well. I am hoping for a favorable outcome and, quite frankly, I cannot wait to get started on the transition!