WELCOME BACK TO A NEW YEAR

WHAT A WAY TO START THE YEAR

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 was a historical day for the students, parents and employees of Norfolk Public Schools.  The city of Norfolk was once again placed in the limelight because of the success of the school system.  Granby High School and approximately one hundred students, teachers and administrators hosted Presidential Candidate Senator Barak Obama.  It was truly an awesome and powerful event.

            Presidential Candidate Obama discussed his desire as President to double the number of Charter Schools.  He says that he promotes Charter Schools because they are a part of the Public School network and he is pro-public schools.  He plans to increase after school programs and the amounts awarded as Pell Grants.  He believes that America must make college more affordable for every child in America that desires a college education.

            Senator Obama wants to lead education into a new era of accountability. An era, where we not only hold teachers accountable but also hold parents and the government accountable.  When he is President he says he will produce a yearly report card on the state of education.  He will also create a parent report that will keep parents aware of what is going on with their children and the children of America’s Public Schools.

            Presidential candidate Obama said that “Senator McCain has said that he would close the Department of Education.”  This would be change but not the kind of change that we need.  As President he would invite educators to the table when educational decisions need to be made.

            This event was a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of why we do what we do.  We teach and prepare children who will one day make decisions that will make America stronger or weaker.  It is our charge as educators to provide every opportunity for success.  Success can not and will not be met if only one group of stake holders (teachers) is held accountable.  Education is a team effort.

            I look forward to Presidential candidate Obama’s new era where not only teachers are held accountable but so are parents and the various levels of government.  It is very impressive that Norfolk Public Schools was chosen for a site visit by the Obama campaign.  Norfolk Public Schools will forever be a part of the historical 2008 Election.

EVERY DECISION MADE IN EDUCATION

IS A POLITICAL DECISION