DEAR EDITOR:
Jackie Adair was completely out of line with her comments on removing the Academic Distress Commission from oversight of Youngstown City Schools, which I agree with on that point. Being led by an appointed CEO or superintendent was not possible “Fix” YCS.
There are many reasons a school district can have trouble. Lots! But to them, aiming at teachers is more than ridiculous.
In my experience, the lack of school preparation before kindergarten and the involvement of parents in a child’s education is the main reason for an entire school district’s failure. Period.
School districts now feed children breakfast and lunch and offer them academic programs after school, but they are not miracle workers and cannot make up for the shortage without affecting what happens to that child before kindergarten and the other 185 days of the year. Provided the child doesn’t miss a day of school.
Is it all parents to blame? Absolutely not! Are there poor teachers? Absolutely! Youngstown Fellows would be well served if they voted Adair off the board because they were either naive or not telling the truth.
Their voters are the main reason (not only) that Youngstown City Schools are one “To fail” Circle.
In response to her quote “Why should we keep them?” (i.e. teachers are the problem for the “F” Testimony) that are better questions “Why should we keep Jackie Adair?” and “How can we get parents to be accountable for school performance?”
ELAINE JACOBS
Get the latest news and more in your inbox
