Coatesville, it's YOUR turn!

“We must all work in harmony with each other to stand up for what is right, to speak up for what is fair, and to always voice any corrections so that the ignorant become informed and justice is never ignored. Every time a person allows an act of ignorance to happen, they delay our progress for true change. Every person, molecule and thing matters. We become responsible for the actions of others the instant we become conscious of what they are doing wrong and fail to remind them of what is right.”  
― Suzy Kassem

Donna spoke out. She shared her story about her experience under the current administration. She explained the changing climate: how an excited and hopeful staff saw their collegial, friendly office become a fear-based workplace. As an adult with decades of experience in the business world, she knew that what she was experiencing wasn't normal and retired rather than continue to endure it. Now, consider the constant changes in the environment for our teachers, who may not all be in a position to leave or retire, and most importantly, our children, some of whom may not even know what a normal, healthy school environment looks like. 

In the last few years, we have heard parents report that the quality of their children's education has declined. Under the current administration, more than 1300 students have left our schools, while more than 1000 new students from our district enrolled in charter schools. That seems like a mass exodus, very different than what the administration and some board members say about the many accomplishments of the district.

I have had enough.  Not only have I received a countless list of excuses from administration, but absolutely no one has been willing to take responsibility.  However, as I sit here trying to point the finger at anyone other than the board or administration, I feel guilty.  Coatesville, I hate to admit it, but it’s time to pick up our portion of the responsibility.  We as a community must start to work together in accepting our responsibility. 

Think about this…

• How many times have you had an issue at school and it was either ignore or mishandled?   
• How many times have you had a friend leave the district and only half listen to what they told you?
• How many times have you been asked to go to a school board meeting but just didn’t want to?
• How many times have you thought “this is too complicated; it’s not worth fighting?"
• How many times have you been given a suspicious explanation and just ignored it?
• How many times have you walked into your child's school and found it to be utterly disgusting?
• How many times have you seen or heard of a teacher crying?
• How many times have you seen an unmanageable classroom ?
• How many times have you seen a student control or manipulate adults in the school?
• How many times has your child’s IEP OR GIEP been ignored?
• How many times has your child felt unsafe or anxious in school? 

For me, the answer is yes - multiple times for all of them. I recognize where I have been complacent as a parent and community member, and I’m ready to “stand up for what is right, to speak up for what is fair, and to always voice any corrections so that the ignorant become informed and justice is never ignored.” 

Let’s start working together in telling our stories:

Parents, teachers, and administrators we cannot continue to be silent when we blatantly see wrongdoing in our district. Parents – When we stay silent in what we know to be true, we should thoughtfully consider the welfare of those who will be negatively impacted by those decision if we choose not to speak up. If we walk away from the district without sharing why we left, who suffers from our truth not being told?

Teachers and administrators – your job is to educate our children.  If something is happening in your school that keeps you from doing your job, it should be addressed. You are also mandated reporters and the law requires you to speak up if and when a child is unsafe in your school. 

CCAP wants to give a platform to share experiences. We want to offer a place to document what we are witnessing in order to enact change. We know the fear is real. We know that retaliation can and has taken place. We also know that staying silent out of fear of retaliation is what is preventing much needed change. Please speak out. Share your experience; share any retaliation. Let's be the voices that enlighten the community of the truth. 

Written By Lyryn Yacoe