What’s going on in Claremont is a crisis. The administration did not do their jobs for years, including not giving enough information to the school board. Now the board is making some hard decisions. What makes it harder is that the people who spoke at the public hearings were not happy. These people want it all, paid for by others. Maybe they simply don’t understand how budgets work, or don’t want to understand. They want schools to open and give them everything they’ve always provided.
Oddly enough, ALL the parents we spoke to at Claremont’s Back to School Fair were excited that there are more options for their kids in the area. They did not stand there and tell us “schools have to open and give us everything.” They are taking responsibility for their children’s education, as all parents should do.
More about that below.
The school board did the right thing by cutting all extracurriculars. When you’re over budget, you cut the things that aren’t necessary or, in particular, mandated. But they are also getting a loan to help with their deficit. That won’t help in the long-run.
Everyone should feel empowered to step up at school board meetings and ask about their options and suggest solutions that change the status quo. Don’t let the loud minority make you think there’s only one solution.
It is the school board’s job to make sure the children in town have the opportunity for an education and to provide oversight of the administration to make sure they’re doing their jobs. It is not their job to prop up the school. And it’s not their job to be part of the administration. Tell your school board about the School District Governance Association, whose mission is to help school board members discover their actual powers.
At the last Claremont election, only 9% of the voters cast votes. Make sure your voices are heard at school board meetings and at the ballot box.
Today we have an article by Tom Luther about his experience with the current Claremont situation. He’s on the EdOpt board and is a resident of Claremont.
Who moved my cheese?
I attended the Claremont school fair at Barnes Park last Saturday as an EdOpt representative. I attended the Claremont school board meetings at Stevens last Wednesday and Monday as a resident. The contrast between the two events is notable.
At the fair, I fielded questions from parents and students about programs available to further their education. I distributed information on a range of local charter schools, EFA accounts, VLACS, micro-schools, homeschool groups, links to the EdOpt site to personally search for options, anything and everything available in NH.
No one knew that charter schools were free to enroll, as they are part of the public system. Only one person had heard of EFA’s, and she was already using it. Quite a few folks from Claremont Christian Academy stopped by. Only one person expressed anything other than gratitude.
Top of mind with fair participants: literature, reading, comprehension, mathematics, … proficiency without politics. Find programs and systems that cater to their needs without offending their morals, at a price they can afford. Not one person mentioned extra curricular activities or electives.
These kids are self-motivated and will do well. With tenacity, these kids will learn anything they want or need, to the limit of their ability. This is the technical worker base that demonstrate dedication and keep businesses afloat and serving customers. They will get hired and stay employed.
This group understands that their cheese is moving, and they are hard at work learning how to find new cheese, cheese search strategies, maybe even cheese production and technology.
Now for contrast.
At the school board meetings, a sizable contingent want mass administrative firings. Populist pitchforks abuse podium time advocating for group status; addressing the audience, the cameras, even the legislature instead of the school board. The lack of information on the scale of the problem combined with a well-earned lack of respect for the board make discussion of education nigh on impossible.
Only one person mentioned the history of poor educational outcomes of the students. Groups use speaking time advancing favorites: teachers, para-educators, coaches, teams, special ed., even custodians. When expressed, gratitude is directed toward groups, with a distinct slant toward agendas.
Top of mind with speakers: sports and extracurricular activities, friendship, lettering in sports, status continuity in clubs, and credentialed achievement within groups…. all of which is intended toward college access. They are playing at school to gain college admission. Not one person mentioned specific academic interests.
These kids are competitive, but the rules of the game are changing. Success in this cohort depends on how well they adapt to change. As adults install new rules, these kids will get back to work. The biggest risk they face is overpaying and delaying maturity in lousy colleges. Most will do fine, but color me concerned. Those who drift into status games too deeply may have a rude awakening at 30. The rest will do well, because of their competitiveness won’t allow them to rest on their laurels. They hate losing.
This group understands that their cheese is moving and they are furious. They want to prosecute possible cheese thieves. They are lobbying for cheese supplement, making sure their group gets first crack at any remaining cheese, and even considering suing for more of others cheese. The worst want to vote themselves a generous lifetime supply of fairly funded equitable cheese.
The third track is the Tech Center. These kids/parents have a plan. They don’t bother playing at school because their future does not include college. And they don’t discuss options because they have already chosen a plan that largely precludes the value of other options.
These kids are practical and demonstrate self-assessment of their own skills and expertise that will serve them well in life. They will do well. These are future business owners. If they are frugal and judicious, demonstrate good judgement, with a little luck they will hire the other kids.
Interestingly, this group has not seen their cheese move at all.
The meeting closed with a Bear Bryant moment. Bear with me.
As a former resident of Alabama who graduated to Free Bird, I recognize the rapt attention given an Athletic Director. His off the cuff numbers, estimates for external funding needs to get through December with a wag at cutting costs in half while hanging tough for delayed funding demonstrate crisis leadership. Take note. This is what action under uncertainty looks like.
If he can pull together an external program for the entire Claremont community (not just Stevens), that would be a huge win for Claremont. Pulling sports (including CMS) into a city league via the CSB Community Center would protect extra curricular programs forever. Transferring them to a more appropriate venue and management structure for all the residents is cheaper, faster, better and more fun.
We can all cheer for that team.
There are as many ways to approach education as their are kids. Don’t hesitate to use EdOpt’s resources. You can Find Your Options or schedule a consultation. From home schooling discussion to charter schools, EdOpt can help you find that cheese.
Education Option Fairs
We’re starting to plan EdOpt Fairs for the fall. Look for one in Deerfield and one in Keene late October or early November. Stay tuned!
Want to organize an expo in your area? Reply to this email or contact us if you want to help.
EdOpt’s Goals
EdOpt’s aim is to help families understand all their education options, from non-traditional (homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, microschools) to traditional (charter schools, private schools, tech centers, dual enrollment, learn everywhere). Our website lists the education providers options around the state that we know about (please let us know if we’re missing any!) so you can investigate the ones that you’re interested in. EdOpt also provides guidance to help you understand your options. Set up an Education Options consultation today.
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