PYP: Appointed and disappointed

“American Exceptionalism,” is a term that was used by an anti-PYP speaker at the school board meeting. I agree that America is indeed an exceptional country. I am proud to be an American, but the America that I love was founded on the principles of freedom, equality and justice.

The Coeur d’Alene School District board sat stoically while businessmen, community leaders, parents and teachers gave compelling, passionate and intelligent reasons why PYP should remain at Hayden Meadows. The trustees were presented with a pro-PYP petition containing more than 700 signatures.

The Press online poll showed the majority wanted PYP. In addition, the board was entreated time and again to not rush to a hasty decision. It was strongly recommended that they do further investigation, have the parents vote and/or administer a survey. They were even cautioned that if dissatisfied PYP supporters (parents) were to start up a charter school, the district would lose $80,000 per every 22 students.

Nothing mattered. The five trustees unflinchingly implemented Robert’s Rules of Order to ax the program in less than three minutes. I did not see anything even close to American democracy in action. I did witness five biased people misuse their power to make a hasty decision without careful consideration.

What ever happened to elected officials who fairly represent the community who elects them? Oh, right … only two out of the five were actually elected.

CAROLYN DURHAM

Spirit Lake