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June 30th, 2011
OPEN LETTER TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Good Afternoon, Everyone!
 
Please consider this an open letter to all of you & to the Stow-Munroe Falls community.  For the past several weeks, I have been attempting to both give and get information regarding International Baccalaureate and the BOE's motives and plans for bringing and sustaining the 'Programme'.  Save one personal email from BOE President Pat Matthews, the administration has been unresponsive.  As a citizen of the district, I feel that I have a right to question and receive respectful communication from those elected to represent me.  I ask again, therefore, for a response to my questions and concerns.  In light of the sensitivity of the subject, I understand that some of you may be unclear as how best to answer me. From the bottom of my heart, I wish to express that I am not at odds with or attempting to belittle any of you in any way.  I simply wish to impress upon all of you my grave reservations regarding IB.  I implore you to engage in informed dialogue with your constituents.  As ever, I make these remarks with nothing but respect for your service and positions.
 
For nearly a decade, I have worked exhaustively on behalf of SMF schools. I know that my reputation for hard work and candor, regardless of my politics or faith, proceed me.  In and out of PTA, you have all experienced my willingness to contribute.  I have been your ally in our common cause: educating & protecting our children.  You all know me to be a person of TRUTH and principles.  I believe that I have always treated you, the children you pledged to support and defend, and the adults I have encountered in Stow Schools with dignity. 

This morning, however, I have been alerted that a key coordinator for Voices For Kids (a non-profit, non-political entity) whose name I will be kind enough to withhold, has allegedly called those that oppose IB for Stow-Munroe Falls something along the lines of 'Tea Party lunatics' and sworn her service in discrediting our convictions.  In conversation about IB, another parent intimated to me (and will swear) that Dr. Jone's himself referred to us as "lunatics" after the last BOE meeting.  Initially, this offended me greatly.  After some contemplation, however, I recognized this attack as the "Delphi effect" in action.
 
Grant me, therefore, that these alleged statements have just personified the very attitude that I have been warning you against: there is no room for those with my beliefs and values inside an IB school!  I tell you that I find the proposed change to the mission statement, with the mention of global (read: ONE World) citizenship and the elimination of "parent & community" reference, both discriminatory and ostracizing- especially in light of the infamous staff bulletin regarding "disgruntled" parent volunteer reviews.  I am not "disgruntled", not angry...just convicted.
 
I do not know the VFK coordinator...have never met her.  I appreciate her passion for the cause and am glad that she is conscientious and involved.  I wish her much luck and give her all due respect.  In the words of International Baccalaureate, though, I would like to remind the lady in question, Dr. Jones and all of you, that "two people of different backgrounds can hold opposite beliefs and both be right".  Thus, I guess that those who oppose IB would be correct---not crazy!  Unless, of course, this rule does not apply to Conservatives... 

Familiarizing myself with IB has become a full time occupation.  As you know, I am late to the game, but a quick study.  I began researching IB after a conversation with your own Karen Wright.  She had asked me what I knew of the product.  At the time, I had to admit "very little".  I had scant knowledge and, thus, no opinion.  After exhaustive study, I can now say that the IB, though admittedly benevolent and enriching on the surface, is a veiled affront to any that espouse patriotism, family values or Judeo-Christian faith.  That the entire concept is based on Western-HUMANIST principles that warrant an Eastern revision (from my research at IBO.org) should alert, not just Tea Party members; but anyone who acknowledges our inalienable right to choose (if we are so inclined) God & Country.  I realize that we are discussing a public school system, which must support freedom of religion.  I recognize each citizen’s right to practice any, or no, faith without prejudice.  But, the IB principles ARE prejudiced- founded upon a theory that discredits faith and considers Western parents unable to educate their own children.  Therein lies my largest objection.  No curriculum and no amount of ARRA money, no matter how astronomical, can ever compensate for undermining faith, freedom, or family.
 
Mark me, I do not deny the appeal of the International Baccalaureate, especially for Progressives. I cannot deny that there are valid talking points on both sides.  Nor would I dare call those who favor the product "lunatics".  Rather, I would caution that you must not buy into a package that, flawed by design, will fail to minister to every child.  In a public school system, ALL students must be nurtured.  In my opinion, the IB's anti-religious sentiments make that impossible.  There are true curriculums that foster forward-thought without requiring schools to promote prescribed values.  Was there any discussion about other packages for purchase, for example CORE KNOWLEDGE? 

You have all read my concrete objections: feasibility, sustainability, cost, labor intensity, philosophy, origins, inequality, redundancy (AP), delocalization of administration & tax-payer funds, lack of community input...My question is WHY?  Without IB, HAVE OUR EDUCATORS BEEN GETTING SOMETHING WRONG?  At Levy time, we will be reminded that Stow-Munroe Falls Schools are "Excellent with Distinction".  Several years ago, our system was seriously scrutinized and found effective at promoting diversity.  Our children make philanthropic contributions at every level:  K-kids, Student Council, PTSA, Scouts.  Our teachers promote good stewardship over the earth's resources and Mayor Fritschel has signed the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.  What shortcoming is this pricey and controversial product addressing that off sets the risks?  If Dr. Jones is correct-if the VFK coordinator is correct-if the IB is correct-the Swiss will merely reinforce that which already is in place in SMF schools.  If I and the others like me are correct- Our district will dump a few million dollars worth of 'Stimulus money' into two schools to indoctrinate young minds while the remaining seven institutions struggle...and the IB will have essentially fractured our community.  That said, even I am now hoping that I'm simply crazy as a hatter!
 
What no one seems to be hearing is precisely what the coordinator's and the doctor's alleged comments prove:  the IB is polarizing us.  Political leanings are so very heated and divisive right now.  Occasionally, the reaction that I (and others) have received for our skepticism has been very unpleasant.  To hear that such treatment may be coming from the top is disappointing and disheartening.  I fear that purchasing this product for only a portion of the district splits our collective concerns and creates natural division, acerbating and enflaming the effects of an already heated debate. 

If the elected BOE genuinely sees a curricular void at the elementary level, it must address that need at EVERY school.  To utilize our resources to fund only two of the nine institutions is the antithesis of what the International Baccalaureate preaches: equitable redistribution of resources.  I truly feel that this purchase has and will continue to squander valuable funds to impart abstract ideals that, frankly, our teachers are already capable of addressing.  PYP? Really?   For five-year-olds?  (The elementary music time was cut for 2011-12 because the little ones couldn't take a full hour of Froggy in The Pond!)  They have barely tackled potty training, but they are ready for a "global perspective"?  Nope!  The truth is that Echo & Indian are just the beginning.  These are the "feeder schools", as IB calls them.  The organization's sales plan is to follow these sweet-faced, dry-bottomed, tone-deaf ambassadors to the universe through Lakeview, Kimpton, and SMF High.  And how will we fund that?!

 
Lunacy?  If so, I am not alone in my insanity.  I have personally researched every statement that I have put before this board.  I am into my third week of 8 AM to 12:30AM research.  Can any of you claim the same?  Ask yourselves, please, why XXXXX XXXXXXX would suddenly jump ship to turn up at board meetings and sit amongst the same people she defended you against last year!  I have no choice!  Regardless of the risk to our reputation & of the threat against XXXXs future at Stow High, I must implore you to look thoroughly at what you are implementing.  Call me whatever gets you through the day- as long as you open your eyes, minds, and mouths!  I do not doubt that each of you has our best interest at heart.  Failure to engage this community with thorough discourse and disclosure is a breech of ethics beneath every one of you.  The truth is that you & I are NOT different.  I am simply more passionate and provoked right now.  I know that you are people of faith and patriotism...if I am crazy...are you not too?  Naturally, I do not expect you to allow your personal feelings to cloud your clarity of thought.  But, I also ask you to stop sitting numb and mum about your own misgivings.  A lot of money has been spent. Stow is deeply invested, but, at least for now, you are still not bound by anything but your integrity.
 
I do have one more question for all of you:  how am I to entrust my daughter to a school system that blacklists parent volunteers and labels concerned parents with honest questions as "lunatics".  If you answer nothing else for me, please favor me with a response to THAT! 

So very many thanks :)
  

Of sound mind & sounder principles;
Respectfully,  
Concerned Ohio Mom 
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All you need to know about the International Baccalaureate Programme (but were afraid to ask)