After yet another disappointing interaction with one of the "better" public schools, I think I am ready to start a personal protest campaign. I'm not ready to go full AWOL like the millions of other educated parents who have already turned to homeschooling or other options; I suppose that I still have a little hope left. I guess after feeling unheard for so many years, I would just like a way to formally register my complaints in a more effective manner.
I'm still going to be there for my kids and re-teach them their math in the evenings. They shouldn't notice any difference in my investment in THEM. I just have nothing left to give to a system which is so dysfunctional, top-heavy, mismanaged, and no longer striving for excellence.
I tried to imagine how I might lobby the school board or advocate on a grander scale and I could not come up with any other plan that seemed like I would make a difference. And what do people tend to notice the most? What is in their wallet. I don’t want to wait until government change happens or until enough people leave the system that it becomes apparent that issues need to be addressed immediately. I have something to say now.
So, every single time I get a request for some expensive fundraiser or other extra, I think I will write on it “Sorry, I have to conscientiously object until you stop waging war on our education system, our children's future, and the collaborative effort of the families involved”. Sure they have an endless tap of taxpayer cash to keep it all going, but maybe if the “extras” start drying up it’ll be a little something more to consider.
