SCHOOLS: Rules need real review

Soon sports fields around town will be buzzing with students and games. Luckily teams have official rule books and referees to keep things running smoothly and resolve conflicts quickly.

Someone should take a closer look at how District 271 creates its rules and who is driving the district. The Education Code charges elected officials with the responsibility of providing a safe environment and making rules - not the superintendent, her committees or her lawyers. Rules about making rules even say that they must be consistent with state laws. So why didn't District 271 clearly advise all families of the state law that says leave your knives at home...or else? Instead, they failed to look at their rule book for making rules. Now they want to update dress code rules, but not enforce them until the second half of the year...mmm. Wonder how that philosophy would go over on the soccer field?

Shouldn't the new board adopt its official policy manual - or is it just a perpetual understanding that things should continue to work the same old way? There is a new board with three new members and a new school term. No more head bobbing - let's see some real discussions! The article says that board members are participating on committees formed by the old board. When did this board approve committees that serve to make recommendations for the current term? When it comes to rule making shouldn't meetings to discuss rule recommendations be open to all? The state thinks so.

This district has been on "auto-pilot" and they don't want anyone to "rock the boat or make waves." People think differently and often apply opinion rather than facts and logic. The new board should expect all recommendations be well researched. Then, let everyone know the rules and enforce them. Stop changing the rules in the middle of the school year. Whatever happened to the state's Thorough System for Education?

Trustees must assure parents, students and teachers that our schools can run smoothly and that someone is listening. Conflicts can be resolved when everyone knows the rules and plays by them. Now go out and enjoy the game!

D. ANDERSON

Coeur d'Alene