EDITOR: In a letter to the editor published Wednesday in the "Tracy Press," lame duck Jefferson board member, Jeff Allen, alluded to my being a one-issue candidate with a personal agenda. Although stating these claims, he does not go on to explain what he perceives as that personal agenda. This and his comment about being single-issued are completely inaccurate.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Allen did not take the opportunity to verify his claims during my door-to-door outreach to the community. While campaigning last weekend on the street on which he lives, as I got nearer to his residence, I could see that his front door was open with the screen door allowing fresh air in. I was looking forward to speaking with him. His wife arrived home and saw me as I was speaking at the home next door, and by the time I arrived at the Allen's front door, the house was shut. After a couple of knocks and a fairly long wait, a teen-aged girl answered and stated that he was not in. As there was already one vehicle in the driveway before Mrs. Allen arrived, I can't help wondering whether Mr. Allen was avoiding me. If he were, that would further exemplify the less than open-minded approach that has been displayed by board members in the past.
To address the 'single-issue' issue, my focus has been on an extremely complex issue – the budget – that encompasses and touches on a large number of issues, including the huge growth the district faces in the near term. A continued approach that proceeds along the same path that has been taken thus far will inevitably lead to more cuts in the face of impending budget shortfalls. We must begin to think out-of-the-box and stay ahead of the curve to avoid having to discontinue additional academic programs and thus lessen the quality of education the district provides to the children.
At the candidate forum held Tuesday, one question asked by an audience participant was, "What would you change about the Jefferson District?" I answered that the Jefferson District was a beacon in the region and that we should keep the things in place that have helped make that so. However, I went on to re-iterate that a paradigm shift to the budget balancing process was necessary in order to keep that light shining brightly.
What I failed to mention in further response were some disturbing things that were pointed out to me during my door-to-door travels. Jefferson has a proud history of traditions. However, some traditions that may inhibit the future growth and development of the student should be discontinued. Case in point – I was informed of the hallowed Jefferson tradition that only 8th graders get lockers – not 7th graders – even though the 7th graders have multiple texts and a modular class schedule – and even though there remain unused lockers. Continuation of this tradition seems counter-productive to the aid of the student's education. 7th graders (younger and smaller than 8th graders) are forced to haul heavy, bulging backpacks to each and every class – all over the campus. This tradition, which likely originated out of necessity, hardly seems necessary now, given the amount of facilities monies available that could purchase supplemental lockers.
Even more disturbing is 'Why doesn't the district have a nurse?' Earlier this academic year a little boy fell on the Hawkins playground and badly broke his arm in three places. The district was unable to offer this child any professional medical attention. With the district enrollment continuing to increase, more and more such incidents become probable. The district should be better prepared to handle them. I intend to find out what funding can provide us this necessity and obtain it.
I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to speak with Mr. Allen. Perhaps I would have been able to convince him that my motivation is not personal – it is to ensure that all district students are provided with everything we can possibly offer to ensure a complete, safe and well-rounded preparation for their future. Perhaps he may also have concluded that my vision is not so focused as he presumes.
Dan Wells
Tracy