In the 1950’s, the Parent Teach Association (PTA) where I lived, was a good organization. Parents and teachers were, together, determined to do good work.
Along came a leftist in sheep’s clothing. That disquise being a Ph.D. from Columbia, in New York City.
The board of education was sturdy, having been the same determined folks since the 1930’s; but some members were getting old in years, and so there might be an opening - a crack in the armor.
The leftist had a wedge: “credentials from a distinguished college.” And that wedge had a shine that stopped some people from looking deeper.
One of the things that a deeper look would reveal, was the house that the leftist purchased. She installed wood panels over the windows, so that you could not look directly outside; but there were gaps that let in some light.
In a short time, she presented grand visions of what the school system should be. She quickly took advantage of the town’s leadership who also imagined their increasing income streams, as she argued for higher taxes.
Of course, she had no care for the local farmers, and like dominos, the farmers sold their land in order to pay for the higher taxes, or the farmers quit altogether. Up to that moment, the area had been a very nice territory with abundant fruit from faithful labor.
With the money that she pushed for, the leftist pushed for a new “middle school,” and construction produced a large single story roundhouse style WITH NO WINDOWS wherever students would be or sit. Inside the building, THERE WERE NO WALLS for the classrooms - rather, sliding, heavy vinyl “curtains.”
So, the leftist uprooted the local economy and created chaos.
During which time period of the leftist’s rise of power, the community of parents and teachers was divided, as some fell to their knees in worship of the concept: “’experts’ with ‘expertise.’” “Best and the brightest.” “The system is the answer.” (Now days: “Best practices.”) Word bling.
While the people of common sense, fell away from attending meetings because of the C.R.A.P. word choices used by the left, designed to smash whatever obstructs their unlimited communist-socialism.
Footnote: The old guard leader of the school board, and advisor for the PTA, passed away. His wife remained in the school system, doing what she could for us, and then she retired by continued to her end as a tutor. Great, wise, sturdy and loving people. Patriots with standards of decency, honor, and integrity.
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2874
From Volume I, Translator's Preface, 2nd para.:
-ht ebb tideShe was truthful when lying was the common speech of men;
she was honest when honesty was become a lost virtue;
she was a keeper of promises when the keeping of a promise was expected of no one;
she gave her great mind to great thoughts and great purposes when other great minds wasted themselves upon pretty fancies or upon poor ambitions;
she was modest, and fine, and delicate when to be loud and coarse might be said to be universal;
she was full of pity when a merciless cruelty was the rule;
she was steadfast when stability was unknown, and honorable in an age which had forgotten what honor was . . .
Yes, it’s necessary for parents to stay involved in the schools, and aware of what’s being taught.
All 3 of our kids went through public school, good universities, and onto excellent careers.
My wife and I were involved. We called out the leftist teachers and inappropriate curriculum. We met with principals and teachers.
We fought. We did NOT hide in our home and surrender the school to the leftists.