Community member Terrence Cheng spoke at the Katonah-Lewisboro School District's School Closure Task Force public hearing on November 18, 2013. His prepared remarks are reprinted here in full. To view his presentation, click here.
I was going to ask for a data update, but it doesn't matter because it feels like the fix is in.
We should have noticed the semantics from the beginning: you did not create an ‘exploratory committee,’ but a ‘school closure task force.’ The task was to close a school, and you created a force to do it. So, all the talk of this being a dialogue and a process of discovery is disingenuous.
We've been operating under the assumption that you care what we think or say, but it's clear you don't.
So let's talk about you.
Let me read you a few quotes, see if you recognize them, and let's see what the audience thinks, too.
Janet Harckham, Patch 2011:
"We need to establish more clearly the intent of the board to work with the community to move children and education forward together with a unified effort... we need to be thoughtful about how we include our community in our processes and be clear with the community."
Jeff Holbrook, Lewisboro Ledger, April 2013:
Mr. Holbrook said that one of the areas in which the district can improve is its communication and transparency. He said the board can improve the tone of its dialogue.
Marjorie Schiff, Patch, May 2012:
"...guiding principles that would inform my strategies for increased transparency -- ensuring that everyone has access to the same set of up changing facts at the same time, pushing important meeting agenda items to the public rather than require that the public pull from online.... If I am not informed about an issue or topic that is important to you... I'll educate myself on the topic. I will suggest the possibility of talking with colleagues at other districts to learn what their schools are doing about this matter."
Richard Stone, Patch, May 2013:
Q: The district is studying various approaches to manage its shrinking population. Any specific ideas you would support in this area?
A: "Not particularly. I'd like to see if the shrinking student population is a long term trend. A change in regional economics could rapidly change the districts needs. Over the last two decades I've seen the school population drop a bit, then rise, then drop. I'd like to see it rise again."
Charles Day, Patch, May 2011:
"I think we need a common set of facts we all agree upon -- right now, people use their own facts. Let’s quantify how well we are performing, how well we are managed and in what state are our finances. All of this could lower the level of cynicism and vitriol in the community."
Paul Kreutzer, NY Times, April 2011:
When asked just before the vote why he wanted to move to Katonah, he said, "I'm upwardly mobile. I'm a wanderer. I want to keep moving forward and advance myself."
We are not arguing that there should be no school closures ever -- we are only arguing to do it with the total landscape of accurate evidence considered professionally in a transparent way -- not like this.
You have all the power and so you will have all of the responsibility.
The seven of you:
Charles Day
Marjorie Schiff
Janet Harckham
Jeff Holbrook
Richard Stone
Stephanie Tobin
Peter Treyz
are wholly accountable -- no one else.
You are gambling with the well-being of our children. Remember that. If you bet right, and I hope you do, I'll lead your victory parade.
BUT
When real estate values drop because there are hundreds of dead acres down the block, it'll be your fault.
When classrooms overcrowd, it'll be your fault.
When our kids suffer from long bus rides, it'll be your fault.
When 1/3 of the town reassesses their taxes and we lose that tax revenue, it'll be your fault.
When our kids have lower test scores, but no personal attention from overworked teachers, it'll be your fault.
When taxes remain high and community businesses suffer, it'll be your fault.
If we need to reopen the school, but can't break the tax cap to do it, it'll be your fault.
So when you vote in January, and you hear our voices and see our faces glowering at you, you better be 100% sure you're right. Because if you're wrong, it will be your fault, and you will wear the shame, embarrassment, and derision of the entire community around your necks.
For more information, visit www.saveKLschools.org.
