One of the positive outcomes of the Save Our Schools happening was hearing from stakeholders from around the country that they know about Rochester. They’re waiting to see what we will do next.
In Rochester, we came together and successfully fought back against mayoral control. In Rochester, we came together and successfully fought back against our School Board. In Rochester, we came together and successfully fought back against our Superintendent. Where will our next battle be won?
Sometimes the road we travel is so difficult and full of potholes and pitfalls that we seem to experience very little progress. Climbing up out of the muck, facing the perils of pride, overcoming the obstacles of obstinance, to still carry on, to persevere, to continue in the struggle to save our children, shows a strength that cannot be denied by friend or foe.
Our courage in Rochester is noted. It is acknowledged across the country and is being emulated. This places a great deal of responsibility on our shoulders. We have become leaders in this movement. Others want to know where we are headed, what we will do, what we will stand together against and how we will stand against it?
The 2011 school year begins Friday, September 2. Little has been done in the district to address our opposition to their plans. It’s time to determine next steps, and take them. This community has done its best to offer the olive branch of cooperation only to be marginalized in the process.
There have been a great many positive steps toward the growth of the social movement for educational change. The coming together of educational stakeholders from across the country to stand up to the pressure from the government and the corporate world is one of those positive steps. We are moving. We are gathering momentum. We must continue to stand up, speak out, and fight back against those who will replace schooling with education, opinion with knowledge, and money with power.
Ours is an awesome responsibility. We must stand so that others may find their legs.
Join the Movement to Save Our Children!
