Subject: Laptop proposal - rebuttal on the process
Doug, please post this to the website so that it is distributed widely:
I am in strong support of the proposal by the school. My son was in the
pilot for 2 years and I have seen first-hand the benefits of using the
laptops in the school setting. I also believe that every student should have
access to a computer as a condition of the Lakeside experience so that there
is not a disadvantaged and advanged group in the school. I would stress that
they are merely tools, not ends in themselves. As to cost - spread out over
the typical 3+ year lifespan of a laptop, they are at least as cost
effective as expensive textbooks and have the added benefit of being used at
home for other purposes. But I will move on from the merits to comment on
the process, leaving the former to others.
I am becoming increasingly distressed at the methods of those who do not
favor the proposal. Basically this is a decision of the school, has support
of many, and will not be embraced by all. The community of Lakeside will
never speak with one voice and never has. The Board hired Bernie. His job is
to lead in an incisive way. It is not necessarily to achieve concensus and
leadership is not a democratic process if that implies putting decisions to
vote. The more a leader changes the status quo, the greater the likelihood
that some will dissent. We are all volunteers at Lakeside. We can disagree
with certain policies or decisions and if on balance we are not in support
of the schools mission, directions or leadership, we decide if we want to
try to change them, or withdraw our family participation. As in many
conflicts, this one may find the most passionate speaking loudest, leading
to a disproportionate voice being heard. Receiving and digesting feedback
vs. reaching a decision is a delicate balance for the head of a school and I
do not envy the task. Lets acknowledge the right for the school to make this
decision, and the fact that those who oppose it speak for themselves, and
not the community as a whole. Thank you.
Brian Grant