SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
December 13, 2013
Sullivan’s
Salvos 12/17/13
In this edition:
*ICCSD Issues
*Free Tax Help!
*Did You Know?
*ICCSD Issues
There
were several issues on recent ICCSD agendas that deserve comment. Before I
start in, I’ll state the obvious: School Board positions are tough. They get
zero pay to make very important and difficult decisions. And they are going to
get an earful no matter what direction they choose.
That
said, we have to let our elected officials know how we feel. If you care about
any of the issues I discuss here, you should write the School Board. They need
your feedback in order to make those decisions in an informed manner.
MLK Day: After several years of acknowledging
the Holiday with a day off, the ICCSD decided to instead hold school and make
it a “Day of Service”. This decision was met with much indignation from a
number of African American (and other) families who have always recognized the
Holiday at other community events.
I think the ICCSD was attempting to do a good thing here, but
their results point out a huge structural problem. The ICCSD does what most
bureaucracies do – the administration makes these decisions, then brings them
to the Board, where they often fail to get the proper scrutiny.
Now if the ICCSD Equity Committee was functioning as it should,
and if administrators and Board members spoke to a broader representation of
community members – perhaps this would not have been an issue. Hopefully this
will demonstrate to the Board the need to include many diverse voices in
decision-making.
The thing that REALLY upsets me about this is when I hear white
people comment, “Those kids were just going to play video games all day,
anyway.” I find this SO insulting!
So
WHAT if they DO play video games all day? It is a HOLIDAY! Who are you to judge
how they are spending the day? I know I don’t want anyone checking up to see if
I gave enough thanks on Thanksgiving, or if I was Christian enough on Christmas!
Since when do we police how people spend their Holidays? Oh, right
– we began when black people started enjoying MLK Day.
School IDs: The ICCSD decided to create a system
that requires parents to scan an ID every time they enter a school building.
This has led to many, many questions and concerns.
1. For one, you have the cost. This system costs a lot of money –
is there any proof that it actually makes anyone safer? Or will this be our
generations’ version of air raid drills?
2.
The ICCSD is sending mixed messages as to what information will be gathered
once an ID is scanned. One group says it will only check to see if a person is
a sex offender. Another says it will provide a full background check. Which is
it, and why? And doesn’t either answer present problems?
3.
The ID requirements can be very onerous for immigrants, seniors, and people of
color. Just as we are beginning to talk about embracing diversity in our
schools, we create obstacles for a diverse population.
4.
This system causes a huge headache and inconvenience for parents who are
already overly stressed. Hurry up so you can pick up Jimmy for his dental
appointment – whoops! Forgot your ID!
5. The biggest issue for me is that this is going to be
arbitrarily enforced. I know, I know … they assure us that EVERYONE will have
her/his ID checked every time. But they won’t. That is a fact. And that is the
problem.
You’ll
never convince me that the Principal’s husband is going to get his ID scanned.
The Superintendent is not getting his scanned. Those Moms that volunteer every
single day? They will not be scanned. This policy is going to be enforced
arbitrarily, and it is going to be enforced much more frequently when you are a
person of color.
Yes,
this is an accusation on my part. But it is based in history and statistics.
Take a look at the ICCSD record on disproportionate minority contact. Look at
how frequently black kids are cited for being “disorderly” or “insubordinate”.
In charges where there is little discretion – such as assault – black kids are
overrepresented, but the numbers are much lower. Look at charges where
discretion is involved – such as being “disorderly” or “insubordinate”- and
disproportionate contact is even more prevalent. Discretion ALWAYS means people
of color get a raw deal.
Bottom
line? We just don’t need this damned ID system. It is a solution in search of a
problem.
Facilities Plan: I am glad this passed!
Thanks to the 6 Board Members who voted to move our District forward!
Fencing: I see this as very similar to
the ID system. We simply cannot ensure that nothing will ever happen to any
child. We can’t. And personally, I do not want our families living in fear
every day, just waiting for the next abduction or school massacre. We have to live
our lives.
My
kids used to go to Hoover. It is fenced alongside Court Street and First
Avenue; this makes sense, as those are two very busy streets. But now the ICCSD
has added another 100’ or so of fence, ruining what was once a great sledding
hill. Why? Is anyone really safer because of this? Sorry, but that move was
just STUPID!
Each
building has unique characteristics. Each building should have a committee of
neighbors, teachers, parents, and students make recommendations to the
Principal, who takes the recommendations to the ICCSD Board for approval. Let
each building decide what is best for them.
Those are my thoughts. I’m sure you have others. Don’t tell me – tell
the School Board! They need to hear from you!
*Free Tax Help!
Starting
in February, Johnson County will once again be offering Free Tax Help. Johnson County Social
Services collaborates with the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business to
provide these VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Tax Clinics. This program is one of my proudest
accomplishments as a Supervisor. Here is a look at the positive results from
last year alone:
We held 35 Clinics at 5 locations for 123 scheduled
hours. Over 100 volunteers contributed more than 3,300 hours of volunteer time.
1,101 returns were filed; a 774% increase since 2006 (our first year) when 126
returns were filed. Tax filers through the VITA clinics received $1,382,428 in
federal returns and $470,969 in Earned Income Tax Credit. That is $1.3 million
right back in our local economy!
PLEASE spread the word about this fantastic program! More details
will be available soon.
*DID YOU KNOW?
The large conference room in the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
offices is the “Quad Cities International Airport Conference Room”. As a guy
who believes in local businesses, that has always pissed me off.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"Sullivan’s
Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a
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As always,
feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to
serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 5:23 PM
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