| Recently, South Kitsap voters passed a four year levy following an intensive educational process by CLASS (Community Leaders Affirming Support for Schools) and others. The group’s perception was that if the majority of the voters knew all the facts they would vote to support funding for our children’s education.
According to spokesman Wayne Senter, the group saw many instances where families either left or contemplated leaving the area because they anticipated their kids wouldn’t be receiving a competitive, thorough training. He noted that when families leave they take their purchasing power with them, eventually lowering the tax base. “The quality of our schools have a direct impact on the financial vitality of our area,” he stated.
Last year a group of concerned parents, community leaders and educators proposed the school district utilize a national process known as the Study Circle Projects (SCP) as a way of “listening” to what the community has to say about the district. The SCP has been used very successfully in other communities like Tacoma, to address issues such as diversity and law enforcement.
The goal of the South Kitsap Study Circles Project (SKSCP) is to bring together 30 groups of 10 individuals, moderated by trained facilitators, for a one and a half hours session once a week for six weeks, and elicit their feelings, perceptions and opinions on public education. It begins with the kick-off event at First Lutheran Church on April 26 at 7 pm.
Following the completion of this process, the data will come back to the SKSCP Steering Committee which will tabulate the results and bring it back to the whole group at the wrap-up on June 7, again at First Lutheran at 7:00 pm.
Once the priorities of the group have been identified, the next step could include action forums to discuss and develop suggestions on the priorities developed through the Study Circles process.
“I encourage anyone who has an opinion on our public school system, who wants to see improvements or encourage current practices, to make their voice heard by joining a circle,” said Senter. “By continuing to develop open and respectful channels of communication we enhance the growth of long term financial security for ourselves, and our children’s futures.”
Contact Cindy Robinson at (360) 895-3959, ext. 144 for more information. | 