Dated: September 1, 2011

The statements that I allegedly made at yesterday’s internal meeting with school district administrators were completely misconstrued and taken out of context. Given this, it is readily apparent that such erroneous statements were made by an individual or individuals with an agenda that includes conveying inaccurate and distorted information. When I spoke about parents at that meeting, I was referring to how the district needs to be more collaborative with parents; that administrators should be greeting parents at the start and end of every school day; that parents need to be included in every facet of school operations; and that we should be identifying with the plights faced by our parents. Given this, I am disheartened to learn at how anyone can take such statements out of context. Unfortunately, what did not get reported about yesterday’s internal meeting were my celebratory statements regarding how several of the district’s high schools came out of failing status; that our schools are ready to open with administrators and staff fully in place despite any setbacks that may have been caused by Hurricane Irene; that schools district-wide will be undertaking strategies for effective teaching and school reform; or any other statements relating to the education of our children which would put this district in the best light possible.