OPINION
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signed and include a daytime phone. Send to 3888 NW Randall Way, Suite 100, Silverdale, WA 98383; fax to 308-9363; or email editor@bremertonpatriot.com; letters may be edited for style, length and content. Friday, August 10, 2012 | Bremerton Patriot
Great things IN OUR OPINION
When we think of great things happening in Bremerton these days the things that seem to qualify are often connected federal government jobs, a grant of some sort that passes through city hall or the works done by any one of the active churches or charities centered on Veneta Avenue. Let’s add to those good works a burgeoning little remote-control race car track built on the previously rotting city tennis courts at 11th Street and Warren Avenue. Yes, on that street corner, where little good has happened for years, a small local business and a few hobbyists built a different kind of playground, one that appeals to ageless children. What’s also great about the RC track is that a Bremerton small business owner took the initiative to better his own situation in a way that also benefits a community that has for some time been blighted by a violent stereotype. An eyesore was turned into a fun factory; simple and great. Monday evening’s series of six-minute races drew more than a few people from the neighborhood and through gate to gather around the track and see what was happening on one of the most visible intersections in the city. Cars that daily pass by saw something different than the usual emptiness. They saw RC racers, mostly adult men, offering to share their furiously fast toys and track to run them on with anyone from the neighborhood that showed interest. One neighborhood resident sitting on the grass, watching other men lined up on the platform deftly working the controls of little quarter-scale cars, summed up the new situation at 11th and Warren well and with a positive tone in his voice, “Grown men being boys.”
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As a past member of the Central Kitsap School Board, I believe that I have some insight regarding the current “issues” that are affecting the board and the administration. The “real” issue facing the district goes far deeper than what we’re reading in the news. I believe that the bottom line issue is that a few individuals perceive the strong leadership of the superintendent (and administration) to be a threat to their personal “self-absorbed” agenda. In other words, instead of a willingness to work as a team, a few have chosen to undermine and demean the superintendent, and work to replace him with someone more to their liking.
LETTER
Patriot Bremerton
Deeper than you think
First off, since only a handful of people in the community attend board meetings, very few are aware of the demeaning and cutting remarks that are often made by two board members. In addition, these members have consistently violated one of the most fundamental Rules of Conduct that board members agree to at the beginning of each new school year: no surprise there.
without first notifying the superintendent and board president. The violation of this agreement is a tactic used to embarrass or intimidate the superintendent. Such a tactic also violates several basic operating “principles” of the district, especially Principle #3 (Code of Governance): “Recognize that schools thrive in a community where there is an atmosphere of mutual respect.” Secondly, although the CKEA issued a “no confidence” vote, less than half of the teachers in CKSD actually voted. I’m aware of a significant number of teachers that have expressed their support for the superintendent since that vote was announced. Frankly, the actions of what appears to be a few CKEA leaders, and two board members, is a blatant attempt to discredit the efforts of the superintendent and staff, and is a slap in the face to numerous members of the community who have invested significant time and energy in providing informed input and recommendations to the school board over the past several years. Our school district leadership deserves better. They deserve our respect and our support. Carl Johnson Bremerton
It is inappropriate to raise an issue during a meeting
CIRCULATION CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Jim Johnson circulation@bremertonpatriot.com
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Your opinion counts... We encourage letters from the community. Please do not exceed 300 words and we ask that you include your full name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for publication. Fax: (360) 3089363; email: gskinner@soundpublishing.com or mail to Editor, Bremerton Patriot, 3888 NW Randall Way, Suite 100, Silverdale WA, 98383.