District 271 indifference

As a very concerned citizen, I spent an hour and a half with the new Superintendent of CDA 271, Dr. Olson. I did so to discern if he had commitments beyond that of his predecessor. Idaho (and its public schools) is noted at near the bottom of public schools in America, and, I note that 271 (again) starts the new school year without any comment about reforms or improvements, and a budget nearly identical to that of previous years.

As an example, I spoke about the wonderful reputation of our CDA Charter Academy. Dr. Olson said he wanted to visit it. He made no mention of adopting some (any) of its obviously superior methods and practices. He seemed more adept at attempting to change the subject away from education issues. He opted to try to deflect questions concerning kids and their futures.

Our beautiful community cannot afford more 'treading water' by district 271. Presently, the superintendent and school board members keep their jobs by pacifying teachers and their union, not by the approval of citizens. A recent 271 school board decision documented the board's unwillingness to let citizens help decide the future of this district.

Presently, off-year elections allow the district to gain endless monies through bond issues. Such funding should only be made available to this district after vastly improved academics becomes part of the district results. In the interest of vastly superior public schools, Senators Souza and Nonini need make this a reality through a 'state' bill. This alone would vastly improve our public schools by making them far more accountable.

In addition, vouchers clearly promote excellence here in Coeur d'Alene and across the nation. The Press needs to promote the issues discussed here after it clearly documented the less than adequate performance of our last superintendent. And, by now, this paper should be on board to see the need to promote vast improvements in this district.

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Ronald Deady is a resident of Coeur d'Alene.