My Turn: Like it or not, we are all teachers
I pen this letter not as some higher than thou individual. Certainly I am not. I do so as a father, a local businessman and citizen of Coeur d'Alene and only after reflecting on the many public issues which have, in recent months, challenged our community as well as the actions/reactions and behaviors of those "responding" to those issues.
It seems that with each passing year, the number of newspaper articles concerning education, schools, school boards, teachers, special corridors, levies and so forth, far and away outnumber any other topic. It would appear that we as a community are highly concerned about our young citizens, especially as to how they are being prepared for the world in which we live. However, I often wonder how many of us realize that a large part of what we teach our children is from the examples we set.
Consider those young adults of, say ages 15 to 19, those who should be engaged enough to know what is happening around them. After working with that age group for more than 40 years I can assure you they are, for the most part, quite wary and observant. However, what have we shown these soon to be voting citizens? How have we, as individuals and as an older citizenry, measured up to what we preach?
For example, how and what have we demonstrated about character? After all, isn't one's character of major importance, both in the public and private sectors not to mention the personal aspect of our lives?
Do we display an attitude that it is OK to circumvent the intent of laws and policy to carry forth a particular agenda, or do we do the right thing?
Are backroom meetings, private coffees and behind the scenes agreements more important than complying with a prescribed statutory process, accepting the outcome and working together for the benefit of our children?
As an example, do we abandon our integrity and the strength of our character at the back door in order to enter and take a seat via a questionable "process or vote" at a Board or Committee meeting?
And now an important question for all to consider: Just whose character is questionably compromised.....the one(s) who appear to be circumventing what seems to read as a mandated statutory process or the one accepting?
Would it not be a refreshing change in course if the one approached to debase a statute were to say "No, I would rather see the open process go forward without feeling the subjugation of another."
Personally, I feel that no agenda is worthy of any individual being less than honest, less than moral or less than fair.
Should those who connive fall short in their efforts to orchestrate a particular outcome, they can rest assured that all is not lost. Life will go on, projects will be done, and students will be taught. We must demand the democratically prescribed compliances operate as intended. If we do not, we fool only ourselves by believing a process is fair and just. And then where are we?
In the end, just how important are those academic credentials or decades of experience, when the foundations of citizenship are sacrificed to satisfy the old axiom "the ends justify the means"?
Are character, honesty, respect for self and others and doing what is right all characteristics that we as a community should be striving to exhibit for our young adults if not for ourselves?
Unfortunately, all too often we are wrapped up in the "me" and the "my." I'm smarter, my agenda, I'm right you're wrong, my legacy, etc. etc.
We chronically hear how our educators are "all about the children," of how little we spend on each student. I.e. "We need the levy because of the children." Lip service comes cheap and our memories are all too fleeting. What would we hear sitting at the negotiating table of teachers and administrators at contract time?
Would it be about how much for "me" or would there be substantive discussion about sacrifice and giving back so our students could have what they need in each and every classroom? Why should any teacher in this country have to pay out of their own pocket for school materials?
With just about 80 cents of every educational dollar in our community going to salaries and benefits (benefits are close to 20 percent; one-fifth! of the education budget), I wonder just how serious those negotiating are about student well being. Just doing the math will answer that question.
When we speak of fairness, acceptance and our unbigoted positions, do we actually practice what we are preaching while emphasizing such traits to our young leaders as to, perhaps, how they should conduct themselves or do we display an ugly side of our adulthood?
When we want to make over a city park, do we present arguments pro and con with the results being something all of us recognize as a result of the democratic process or do we harbor ill will and contempt for a process that was "obviously flawed" because it didn't go our way? Who knows? Maybe the process was flawed ... maybe not ... hence this letter suggesting a little self reflection may be in order.
We surround ourselves with councils, committees and positions of trust(ees) and hope those elected or appointed would be able to deflect the inevitable pressures of cronyism, favoritism and subterfuge.
As a community we should seek an open and legitimate opportunity to speak our mind, say our piece and hope for the best. Yet I'm afraid all too often we go home, close the door and swear in front of the youngsters as to how contemptible all those elected or appointed have conducted themselves. Often, we do so without any thought of actively participating in the process ourselves. We seem to be resolved to sitting on the sidelines spewing forth much criticism toward those who have stepped forward to serve yet have offended us. Why, we even criticize those who write letters. I suppose it's safer to do that (criticize) rather than join in the process, win, and fix that which offends.
In all honesty, we need to look in the mirror, take stock of what we do individually and decide if we are not, in fact, part of the problem. Being honest with the person staring back at you could be a good start in helping our young citizens be the people we all hope they will be.
For to judge our young people less intelligent and uncaring would be a mistake. To ever think they are not watching us IS an even bigger mistake.
As for me, I'm just an average Joe. But I do work at the honesty part and strongly believe in the democratic process. I believe in fairness and doing what is right, even at the expense of any personal agenda. I believe in speaking out when necessary and holding my tongue long enough to hear others, their opinions and then think through the issue.
And in the end, I am sure I will answer for my shortcomings. Until then, I will continue to do my best to do right by others, to support our community and to be involved when I can. Just my humble opinion ... I'm sure you have yours ...
J.L. Purtee is a businessman and Coeur d'Alene resident who twice has sought a seat on the Coeur d'Alene School District Board of Trustees.
Purtee
My Turn
OPINION