[UPDATED to include statement from the Highline District. Original article posted 11/8/24]
This opinion is written by Burien.News Editor, Martin Barrett.
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At the November 6, 2024, Highline School District Board Meeting, Superintendent Ivan Duran led off his remarks by expressing concern that students, faculty, and staff may be struggling with the election results.
Duran opened his Superintendent Report as follows:
“So, I understand that emotions are running high following the election. I want to acknowledge a range of feelings that everyone may be experiencing. And I encourage everyone to take the time to take care of yourselves and each other. I want to ground us in our shared goal at Highline to create a culture of belonging where all are welcomed and safe. This goal is grounded in our promise and how we get to know the names, strengths, and needs of our students. We have the profound privilege and honor of working in public education, and our roles allow us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. Education is the foundation of democracy, and our students are our future. We have the great honor to influence this future. And now more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to equity and antiracism. We must focus our energy and the positive change we can make within or schools and community. We must protect, advocate, and reassure our students and each other. The work we do here in Highline is an example of the power of unity and collaboration that is needed now. By working together we will ensure every student graduates prepared for the future that they choose. If you are feeling impacted by the election, please let someone know. For our staff, speak with your supervisor or a trusted colleague or work with the employee assistance program. For our students, teachers, counselors or trusted adults are here to support you.”
It was an interesting monologue.
Did the previous superintendent (Susan Enfield) issue such a statement in 2020? This is a school district, not a political party.
The goal is education, not political ideology. At no time in Dr. Duran’s report did academics come up. Dr. Duran did not address the recent revelation that 50% of Highline District Middle School kids are at least three grades behind in literacy.
Later in the meeting, Board Directors Melissa Petrini and Azeb Hagos sought to add literacy to the list of the agenda items for state legislative discussion; it was unsupported by Duran, Chief Policy & Strategy Officer Holly Ferguson, Board President Angelica Alvarez, Board Members Stephanie Tidholm, and Joe Van.
It seemed out of place in a School Board Meeting to focus so heavily on national politics, yet not address the failure of the district to meet its purpose of education.
Dr. Duran’s comments were followed by Jeb Binns, President of Highline Education Association, who, unlike parents, has an open mic with no time limit to speak.
Binns remarked:
“Washington State is one of the best of places to ride out what is to come. I am happy, also, that with the failure of initiative 2109, we also are not going to be worried about where $5.2 billion of education funding is going to come from. I appreciate your (directed to Dr. Duran) comments about supporting educators and students. I know that last night was impactful for many. I don’t think that my daughters were alone in their concerns and worries for the future of this country. I appreciate you being there and providing the space that they need to come to grips, and to focus, and to find their support groups, and to move on the best we can.”
Once again, as part of a failing school district, Mr. Binns’s comments were focused on the fragility of staff to cope with the world and the political cycle outside their role as educators.
We reached out to both Dr. Duran[‘s communications officer] and Mr. Binns for comment. [UPDATE: see response from District at the end of article.]
Both Dr. Duran and Mr. Binns communicated a sense of fear. But for most kids who have not been politicized, November 5 was like every other day. The feeling of safety loss seems to come from the district staff, faculty, and association personnel. How is that “welcoming?”
We call upon the district to do what they are paid and charged to: teach literacy, not politics.
UPDATE:
QUESTION to the Highline District:
Did the Superintendent share the same thing after the 2020 elections?Â
If not, why is this being talked of in this way in 2024?
RESPONSE FROM DISTRICT (via Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper on 11/7/24)
As Superintendent Duran shared, there is a range of emotions people are feeling following the election results. This may include anger, excitement, sadness, relief, etc. Part of Dr. Duran’s role as the superintendent is to unite our staff and community around our shared priorities in our strategic plan, including our goal to create a culture where all are welcome, valued and safe.
Also, Dr. Duran did not work in Highline in 2020.
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3 Responses
Couldn’t agree more! Students are too young and inexperienced to understand the depth of political issues, and their values should come from their parents. It is the role of schools to teach the 3 R’s plus critical thinking and problem solving to find suitable jobs/careers and become responsible citizens.
Dr. Duran and Mr Binns need to focus on education and literacy and school issues including low reading scores and lack of support for STEM programs.
Highline Schools are not highly regarded academically. The future for the students requires excellence in all areas of study that will make them prepared for success.
I appreciate Superintendent Duran’s concern (assuming it’s extended to me, too). I am disturbed that the gas ban initiative is holding on by a thread. I’m disturbed that the regressive carbon tax initiative went down in flames. I don’t understand how the voters can be so stupid. I’m disgusted that Governor-elect Ferguson ran against Trump instead of focusing on the issues and chose to demonize a decent man, Mr. Reichert, who has served the public well. I want to turn to someone to hold my hand and sing Kum Baya with me. Will Mr. Duran take my call?