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The future of Greenville
That’s My Opinion
By Bob Robinson
My Sunday Opinion, A debt of gratitude without measure (see link below), resonated with several people. The response was positive. Only one reader, however, took the time to express his own thoughts. He has done this before with Opinions or stories I’ve written, as well as those of some others over the past year.
As always, I’ve asked if I could publish the comments. I believed they were pertinent and should be shared. As always, I expected a “No thanks. I’m not interested in getting back into the fray.”
This time, he surprised me. Since his “yes” may have been offered with misgivings, I’m jumping on this quickly before he can change his mind. His comments read as follows...
“Good article. Two things struck me while reading it; both have been long-term thoughts that I’ve expressed previously...
“1) Teachers should understand and appreciate what a wonderful opportunity they have to have an impact on young people. What a difference they can make now and into the future.
“2) Community - in particular parents - should appreciate and respect what teachers mean to their children, grandchildren, and community.
“My Editorial:
“A small % of teachers are undermining their profession by not appreciating what they have and what they can impact.
“A large % of teachers are good people making a great impact.
“A small % of the community is negative and are detractors to those positive teachers; as result these detractors are discouraging a whole system of educators.
“A large % of the community needs to not to keep quiet about their support and appreciation of our teachers.
“The above applies to almost every district in the county, state and nation.
“Greenville specifically has some unique challenges that are not easily addressed. I do think that leadership needs to step forward from the board of education.”
Then he blew me away with...
“PS - If I ever run again, do you think you could chair my committee? :)”
My response was, of course, a resounding YES... knowing full well it will likely never happen. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed:
His Short Version --- "No."
His Long Version --- "Respectfully, no."
Larry Holmes was a sitting School Board Member when I arrived in Greenville nearly 10 years ago. We crossed swords many times - he in his decision-making process; I in my ramblings on Page 4 of the Daily Advocate.
I don’t have a problem with that. If anyone ever agreed with me 100 percent, I’d think he was nuts. Or scary. Not sure the world could survive two of us. But he talked to me. He didn’t hide, was always open to questions and discussion. He did not give me platitudes. He gave me facts... facts that led him to the decisions I was challenging.
I’ve been privileged to benefit from the private thoughts of many educators in the Greenville system in the last decade - both in administration and in teaching staff. I was asked not to publish them so I didn’t. And I won’t. Holmes was the only Board Member who took the same chance, which gave me the unique perspective of being able to weigh both sides of an issue.
One that I’m not sure anyone else can say they shared.
It was enlightening... and discouraging. Our kids are the beneficiaries of the chasm that existed - and possibly still exists - between the two.
There are five factors of influence in a child’s education and thus his or her future: Parents, Teachers, Community, School Board and Administration. In that order.
Sadly, we have little control over the role that parents play – or do not play – in their child’s well being and learning process. The parents most involved are giving their children a huge advantage over those with less-involved parents. That isn’t to say that with the other four factors, a child can’t still succeed.
The good teachers are carrying their weight, plus some. New laws have the opportunity to increase the percentage of good teachers. In the absence of good parenting – or even with good parenting - they can make the difference in the eventual success or failure of a child.
I believe that, for the most part, the administrators carry their own weight as well. If one or more isn’t, the Board has the power to correct it.
I’m also well aware of the number of times the Greenville City School Board has “shot itself in the foot.” This has been a strong factor in the lack of community support. I agree with Holmes that leadership on the Board needs to step forward. And the community needs to let bygones be bygones and step forward with its support and/or solutions.
It is imperative. The future of Greenville is at stake.
That’s my opinion. What’s yours?
In case you missed it, for my Sunday Opinion, “A debt of gratitude without measure,” click here.
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