Board should resolve calendar issue
I have been a resident of this community for 30 years. My husband and I have five children, three who have graduated from Bentonville High School, two currently attending BHS. I’ve spent many years as an active volunteer in this school district, as a homeroom mom, PTO president, even being a school “nurse” as a mom before our district hired true nurses. I’ve seen many great changes over the last 30 years. What hasn’t changed is the calendar issue and the way it has divided this community. For 20-plus years this calendar issue has been a discussion that has caused grief in this district.
This is not an issue up for “community input.” The school board is elected, the superintendent hired, to make decisions that are in the best interests of all students. For years board members and various superintendents have allowed a small percentage of vocal parents to dictate what is best.
We don’t need a calendar committee. We don’t need discussion. What we need is a school board and superintendent strong enough to listen to direction from the district elementary principals for what is best for all students.
After 20-plus years of this “discussion,” I am disappointed, to say the least. This calendar issue has allowed parents to be led to believe that we have some elementary schools in this district that are “better” than others. How unfair for our families, for our staff and for our community.
Stand up. Do what is best for this community.
SHERRY LAEMMLE
Bentonville
Tears over a tale of two photos
On the top of Page 6A in the Tuesday, Nov. 17, edition of the paper there are two photographs. One shows migrants being helped as they leave a tiny boat to make their way ashore on the island of Lesbos. The picture is, indeed, worth the proverbial thousand words. The other picture shows someone’s hand picking a piece of candy from a pile.
The article about the second picture says the candy is part of a recent purchase. A replenishable display (ideal weight is fifty pounds) of little green candies individually wrapped in cellophane. According to the article, the display had been described as “hauntingly beautiful” and “nothing short of staggering.”
I have to say, I was moved to tears over this, but they were tears of discouragement. What is “nothing short of staggering” is the fact that the purchase price for what amounts to an overgrown candy dish was $7.6 million. Say that out loud, even if you are seated in a crowded public place. Seven point six million dollars.
Now, go ahead and criticize my lack of knowledge and class and appreciation for fine art. While I sit here and consider these two photographs. And ache.
LINDA LARGENT
Bella Vista