PYP: Promise wasn't kept

I sat stunned at Monday night’s school board meeting as the trustees voted to eliminate the PYP program at Hayden Meadows. As a proud Hayden Meadows parent I believe the board failed our children.

During the meeting, the board was presented a petition with nearly 700 signatures supporting PYP. The majority of speakers and attendees endorsed PYP. Parents encouraged the board to conduct a survey of Hayden Meadows families before taking action. Despite 2 1/2 hours of compelling PYP support, it was with complete ignorance and disrespect the trustees voted to eliminate the PYP program.

I am proud of the PYP supporters who spoke with professionalism and respect and did not stoop to insults. The entire community should be offended that prioritizing a quality education for our children gets you called a “knuckle dragging moron” by an anti-PYP supporter.

During trustees Purtee’s and Hightower’s recent visit to Hayden Meadows, we listened to their assurances that they wouldn’t rush into a decision regarding PYP. I challenge them to explain this broken promise. I question how Mr. Hightower, a member of the board for a month, can objectively decide this issue.

The school board has taken educational choice away from families. It is on public record supporting a basic curriculum. I encourage the families at Sorensen, Ramsey and Lakes Middle to unite NOW; as these remarkable schools of choice will be the next targets of the board.

Us “knuckle dragging morons” have only just begun to fight for our magnificent school.

NANCY S. HART

Hayden