We need to demand excellence from Sumter school board members

On Monday, I attended the Sumter School District board meeting. Sumter is my home, and I am the mother of two children in the district and one who graduated from the district two years ago. I myself am a graduate of Sumter High School. My employer is a longtime supporter of the district, and I had become intrigued by the things going on since the election of the new board members, so I decided it was time I go to one of the meetings.

After listening for three-and-a-half hours, knowing there would be no way a vote could have been made, I decided to go home for the night. Much to my surprise, the meeting continued for two and a half more hours and ended with a vote to reopen Mayewood Middle School. I was baffled. There were so many unanswered questions and discrepancies in the numbers. It just didn't make sense that a decision could have been made without sufficient, accurate information.

While at the meeting, I was so disheartened to sit amongst a group of teachers and hear and see the fear they felt to speak out about what was going on. It truly saddened me to see them sit and watch what was happening. The board is comprised of members who don't spend adequate time in the schools. It was shocking that some members of the board knew nothing about what really happens in the classrooms in regard to curriculum.

A city councilman said it best during the two minutes he was given to address the board: "trust not yet earned." I went to the meeting with an open mind and hoping the best decisions would be made and woke up the next morning more concerned than ever about the future of this community. Early education is the key to economic growth in Sumter. The only bright side in all of this is the amazing teachers we have here. Those teachers I sat amongst at the meeting ... their passion for what they do is what will get our children through. Their passion and the support of the 180 community members in attendance Monday night. We all need to continue to attend these meetings and demand excellence from the board we have elected ... demand they earn the trust we deserve and give the support our children and teachers need.

TERESA MANUS

Sumter