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by Michael Livovich | Sunday, August 19, 2007 | (No comments posted.)
I read your Aug. 12 editorial titled "Is it time for state takeover of Gary's public schools?" and I felt compelled to write this response.
I feel conflicted. As a school superintendent, my heart goes out to the kids and the many good teachers of Gary. Having started my education there at Washington Elementary School, I will always hope for the renaissance of the school system. So many of us started there, and we all have a vested interest in Gary's success.
My blood boils, however, when I see the apparent mismanagement of the schools.
The case that turned my skin blue was when a board member traveled to Japan (funded by the corporation) to visit schools because she stated "there were no schools worthy of visiting here." To their west is Hammond. South, there is Munster, Merrillville, Crown Point and many other school districts. I would even have welcomed a partnership with Gary here at Hanover for we are doing the job, as are all others with less money -- certainly less federal money! My community, as would my peers in other communities, would welcome the challenge.
No schools worthy here? She had another agenda, and it was not about kids!
But the whole thing makes me angrier than I can comprehend. When I heard the state was silent, I said the state has abandoned these kids. Although I would feel more comfort remaining silent, I simply could not -- not any longer!
There have been so many other examples of blatant misuse of funds, and who has been hurt? The kids and the staff, and there are many who desperately need to be lead by strong educators with ethics and morality.
The kids of Gary deserve the best we have. If the state is threatening to take the system over, what more data do they need? How much harm has to be inflicted on these kids -- kids who are just as deserved of the safe, loving educational environment provided by all the other schools in Lake and Porter counties.
There are examples in this county of school systems that are making a difference. If that is not good enough, look at the data of urban schools that are succeeding. It is readily available, but the board has to let the leaders lead. If the leaders cannot lead, clean the house and start over. The kids in Gary need to know the system is there for them. It will take great courage and fortitude to make it happen.
If you say you're going to do it, do it! If Gary fails, we all fail -- and I expect to succeed. I want them to excel, and I am willing to help. But we need help to restore ethics back into a failing system.
I know this commentary could appear arrogant and perhaps condescending, but it is not, nor would I ever intend it to be so. I just cannot stand by and watch what is happening there when daily here I guard the kids from harm and protect their right to a free, appropriate public education. My board here also cares deeply for their kids, and checks and balances are in place so we all keep watch over our daily affairs.
I offer my apologies to the many good people of Gary for standing silent while their children and young adults get hurt before our eyes. I just could not remain silent any longer!
These kids need us to step in for them and clean their house! We must end self-interest, fear and cowardice, and restore the children and young adults of Gary to their rightful place in this world.
Michael Livovich is superintendent of Hanover Community Schools. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.
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