To the community and school district of Neosho,
I am thankful to be in this community and this school district. The times we live in are hard and getting harder. I’m sure you would all agree to that. Public schools and our community face challenges and threats that seem impossible at times.

And the men and women who choose to make careers in the education field today are brave, as well as bright. They face the need to meet criteria set by non-educators so that “No Child is Left Behind.” No one wants a bad teacher to keep teaching. But the result is that, non-English students and those with difficulty learning are held to the same standard in a school district as those standard or high achievers. They also face discipline issues that would scare national security teams. Laws bind their hands in ways that were meant to protect the innocent. But do you see that in the legal fields, as well as in the schools, the guilty abuse the system and hurt the others whom are doing their best and trying to do what is right?

The kids sometimes look at teachers with less respect because they see their hands are tied, and the media on a whole do not build up these professionals as talented, giving people with real lives. Anyone who thinks they have it easy should look closer.
It’s long, hard hours just being teachers. Then the school district, because of need or the teachers own interest in helping children, are given the opportunity (sometimes pressed into) more hours to serve as sponsors in every single extra curricular activity that is offered. There is never enough time, money, or even support for these groups, though we live in a community that steps in to help the kids a lot.

I’m a mom of four great kids. I know the public school system is not for every child. I know it is still hard to be a kid in school. We do have bullies, cliques, and favoritism in all aspects of the system. But I try to do my small part. That being, to be informed and to have a say. I still think we of the community should speak out on the issues to support those we elect or hire to be in authority over our children.

So besides the educational issues I have spoken of, I would like to address the issue of sports and character in our schools.

I was so glad when the whole district made a big issue of supporting ‘character.’
Something this country needs to make a priority in all of our lives. The nine principles this year are integrity, self-control, responsibility, cooperation, caring, respect, honesty, courage, and perseverance. I hope it will touch lives and change the way some look at and respond to situations these children face today. Yes, some of these children are faced with situations, neglect, and abuses that are heart breaking.

Lastly, I would like to say that I am not a sports mom. Not a fanatic by any means. But I do support the kids. I support the district when possible. Maybe what I’m about to say is just my opinion. I hope not.

I have seen two men, Dan Jones and Ray Godfrey, leave positions in the district because the district wanted to ‘go another direction.’ The first time I questioned who made the decision and why. But this time I went to the high school and was given a very thorough and kind reply to my questions by a staff member. That it was hard to keep kids in, or get them involved in, a program that was not winning most of the time. I was asked if my child was in any programs, debate, music, sports, anything that competed would I like it if they weren’t winning? I’d like to think that I wouldn’t mind as long as I saw hard work, fairness, and good character. But the schools and coaches mostly hear from those that are upset or complaining, not from those thankful for the effort. But I have got to say, in my limited knowledge, I disagree with this decision that has been made. Both of these men were of high character, hard working and thought of well by the children that had worked with them.

Ray Godfrey is someone I respect. I respect he has put in over 16 years coaching with the district. He didn’t just know the high school team, he worked with those that would become high school players. If you see a winning team next year, it will be because they have worked with Godfrey and are ready and able to win.

Is the district’s response to getting in this new, expensive, talented league to be all about winning? Is it to drop hard working and dedicated teachers who have shown loyalty to our kids and our community?

I’m really not worried about Ray Godfrey or Dan Jones. They are men of integrity, responsibility, and perseverance (OK, almost every single character trait the school district is trying to promote).

Well, the decision has been made. I have had my say. But know this — I will, to the best of my ability, support the kids and the school district. I will have a say. Disagreeing with an issue should be talked about but should not make us turn our back on the need we see, and I see a lot of needs in our schools.

Thank you for letting me have a say,

Susan Armstrong
Neosho