On March 27th, 2014, Sundance Elementary School, which has been the center of a beautiful community for over 40 years, had its legacy destroyed.
After approximately four hours of five minute speeches prepared by parents, citizens and children affiliated with Sundance Elementary School, the trustees at the Board of Education District No. 61 voted to close the school. This did not come as a surprise, really, as upon entering the meeting, the almost 70 people in attendance were handed an agenda for the night, the last page of which was a contract – already drawn up – to be signed, following a vote to close the school.
Following the speeches given by the parents and children, were those of the Trustees. One of them said – as a justification for her decision to vote in favour of the closure – that we, the people, could not possibly understand the reality they face as trustees, regarding the budget constraints.
I almost jumped up and shouted ‘Why you condescending bureaucrat – HOW DARE YOU!’ But in interests of integrity and respect, I instead chose to sit quietly. I regret doing so.
This statement alone is so telling of the disrespect that sits like an ugly shadow beyond the growing and ubiquitous political rhetoric that has replaced intelligent and ethical leadership. To claim that parents do not understand the difficulty of balancing tight budgets is beyond insulting and speaks volumes about how those in charge actually view the public – those to whom they are supposed to answer.
Frankly, I have no sympathy for the Trustees. They chose to run for these positions. They chose to be in uncomfortable positions. They chose to be in charge of making difficult decisions regarding tight budgets, and how school monies must be allocated and dispensed. The attitude espoused by this person demonstrates PERFECTLY how many of the people we entrust with decisions which affect every aspect of our lives, care more about the idea of their position rather than the actual responsibilities which accompany them. In short, it seems they care more about fiscal numbers than human ones. This seems to be the way of things now; an unprecedented short-sightedness.
Despite contrary opinions, I do not believe I am simplifying things. I understand that coming up with an 1.8 million dollar short fall is not exactly easy, and that the BC Liberals are the reason why they were in this position. But the simple fact is, this night was THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY for those who had the power to stand up to do so. It was the perfect chance for a small group of people who claimed ‘they had no choice’, to prove that NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY OUR CHOICE TO DO THE RIGHT THING. To stand up and declare that this kind of immoral and irresponsible government intimidation will no longer be tolerated.
If the trustees had stood up in unity, and refused to put money before people and before ethics, they might have been ‘replaced’ by others who would follow the money and choose in favour of Liberal intimidation and the privatization of everything from schools to human rights, but then, imagine the outrage this would have spurred in the people. The necessary fury over what is being done to British Columbia! They would have sent a message to government officials that this kind of behaviour – the likes of which is widespread and encompasses every aspect of our lives – is precisely what could have been addressed by saying, ‘NO, WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED INTO SHUTTING DOWN ANOTHER SCHOOL IN ORDER TO FURTHER LINE THE POCKETS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’.
I am disappointed and ashamed of the people who did not follow the lead of the strong and brave people who begged them to do the right thing.
We are in a crisis situation, and I am not understating things.
When profit takes precedence over the well being of communities, people, children and the environment, I believe this indicates where the real mental illness exists, and it is being promoted from the top. Trickling down to young people, infecting them with the sickness of greed. Money – a man made concept – worshipped, like some kind of God.
The bottom line is there will be no viable economy without intelligent contributors (the majority of whom are in school right now), nor will there be an economy if we continue to privatize everything from hospitals to schools to water to land to air, except perhaps one which will serve ONLY those who made it so.
I will end with a quote by Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good (people) to do nothing.”
I, for one, will NEVER stand down.
Photo Credit:
Lakeview School Rally and March by Daniel Arauz via Flickr Creative Commons. Some rights reserved.
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