'Small schools' deserve district's support

It is difficult to stand by and watch the tremendous work and dedication put forth by students, staff and school administration appear to be easily dismissed with a comment, “I’ve been given my marching orders.” And another comment “But it’s the small rural schools’ turn,” Woodward said. “Clark Fork has been spared from staffing adjustments that other schools in the district have experienced.” I could spend time and very little effort responding to “it’s the small schools turn.”

I have several questions that can be answered easily.

1. How much research has been attempted by central office personnel other than the cost?

2. What has administrative personnel done (when this problem occurred) in establishing communication with community, parents and students?

3. It appears that the concern has been evident since other schools have experienced reduced budgets. Why has it taken so long for the school board to react?

4. Research is not difficult if one is interested in finding positive results to solve a problem. Has the Idaho Department of Education been consulted other than from a budget perspective?

5. The Clark Fork education curriculum and schedule have been revamped so as to provide a different approach to teaching. What has been done to facilitate their efforts?

6. Why is it so difficult for the school district to acknowledge the school, staff, administration and students for their exemplary performance in being rated very high as one of Idahos’ top small schools?

7. On and on and on.

There are programs in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah,that have been established to meet the needs of their students.

I would hope that with the pedigrees in the central office, someone would offer to give professional assistance to the kids, school personnel, parents and community.

This is my community. When I read that “it’s the small schools turn,” I take exception to that comment

BYRON LEWIS

Clark Fork