What the parents have lost along the way isn’t power but the knowlege that they do hold all the power. Before moving into a new home, very few ever bother to check out the school little Johnny will be attending. If the school is pushing this bs, then buy that new house in another area. If the school starts sending out these ridiculous letters, then have a one on one with the teacher and principal. If they try blaming the policy on the superentendant, then camp out in his office until you get the answer you want. Remind everyone along the way that you pay their salaries so they work for YOU. Be that parent the school hates to see. If that doesn’t work then gather a group of like-minded parents and have your say in the next schoolboard meeting. If that fails, then write to the editor and run for school board.
A few well placed phone calls around the neighborhood also works. If your school suddenly won’t let the kids wear mums the day of homecoming, call the local florists and remind them they will lose money if no one buys their $60 (!) corsages. Call the city council - the older members who didn’t have such stuff shirted rules back in their day. Call a few of the big football supporters who are who’s who in town. I guarantee by 8:00 the next morning the halls will be filled with 4’ ribbons and glitter. One day of fun isn’t going to mess the school up on the state test rankings.
SUPERINTENDENT