Dialogue, democracy key to solution

April 29, 2005

Spectrum/Robert Doyle

On some days, I am amazed that I'm still standing. I've sur-vived cancer and three years as chief school administrator for Mat-Su School District. In both cases, I've been presented with some of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my life.

On a daily basis, my responsibility to our district's 15,000 students weighs heavily on my mind. I feel a strong obligation, both morally and professionally, to ensure our students have the best possible education the Valley can provide. Some things are simply worth the "good fight."

Our district has been working hard to increase parent involvement in schools and improve student learning. Many obstacles are thrown in our path - some are more easily overcome than others.

A recent article in the Anchorage Daily News indicated the borough and its assembly were angered by the district's attempts to inform parents of the borough manager's $4 million cut to the district's budget. At the same time, Deputy Mayor Jim Colver acknowledged the assembly has yet to adopt alternate revenue sources that would pay for rapid growth in schools (even though it has failed to do so on multiple occasions).

According to Mr. Colver, the district is "crying wolf" in regard to its budget. We've simply identified the wolf in sheep's clothing.

I believe in the public's right to know the facts, to include the possible impacts of decisions, and especially about the management of our tax-supported institutions. I don't believe I'm alone in my strong belief in and support for a fair and open democracy. I want our citizens to be informed and involved every day, not just when programs and services are at risk.

With that in mind, we're using all available resources to make sure we're continually improving our communication efforts. We have a long way to go, but we're making great strides.

I have growing concern and fear about recent statements by assembly members in the media. These statements appear to be an attempt to limit access to factual information and frame the debate to achieve predetermined outcomes.

Assembly members expressed outrage that I informed parents about pending budget cuts via ConnectEd, a tool that allows us to contact every household in the district with timely information, to include school closure and safety announcements, attendance notification and action alerts. Would they rather that I use unreliable forms of communication and simply hope parents receive the message? Would they prefer parents learn of budget cuts only after all opportunities to give public comment have passed?

The assembly did not question the facts of our message: The borough manager cut $4 million from the school board's adopted budget. Instead, they shifted focus to our chosen method of communication.

Why should we limit debate and hide the facts? Why is informing parents "highly inappropriate," as indicated by one assembly member? Why is sharing accurate, truthful information with citizens called "political posturing" and a "media blitz?"

This type of attitude only contributes to poor turnout in municipal elections and discourages our public's involvement in decisions that impact our lives. And, haven't we learned our lesson in this regard. Deputy Mayor Colver, of all people, must remember the community's outcry when proper public notice wasn't given on other critical issues, like coal-bed methane leases.

Whether you want a tax cap, smaller class sizes, or both, it is important to know the facts behind the decisions. It is not political posturing to share information about potential impacts of elected officials' decisions. And it is not unreasonable to inform citizens about upcoming public hearings in time for them to participate in the conversation.

Democracy may be slow and messy and inconvenient to the elected officials who wish they didn't have to listen - but it is simply the best system in the world. Our elected officials should embrace democracy and share information openly, widely and in a timely manner. Allow for dialogue to occur, to include a discussion on alternate solutions and the pros and cons of each potential decision.

We are in a high growth community, and we must plan and respond, not merely be reactionary. The fact that we're growing is no longer a surprise. Denial that it's actually happening is simply unacceptable.

To make it all work, citizens must be involved. I look forward to your participation and testimony when the assembly and school board hold required public hearings, whether you are for or against any important decision that will impact the lives of our citizens and the education of our students.

Democracy is precious. It must be nurtured and protected. We do that best by sharing information with citizens in time to allow for input — before decisions have been made.

Robert Doyle is the chief school administrator for the Matanuska-Susitna School District.