I started this blog about life in Plainview and wrote a bit of narrative about my observations. Through word of mouth people began making comments of their own and my entries and opinions became unnecessary. The Blog has become a community bulletin board: a service for the community. Recently I posted a request from the Principal of JFK-Plainview High School, Jim Murray, who wanted to raise awareness about a student competition. Morty Rosenfeld, PCT President, also used the blog to present his side on a variety of issues. - (I guess this site has more accessibility and viewers than the district website?) AVeryPlainview has had entries about the school district, teachers, administration, and its union, the PCT. While school has been the main source of content, recently the Blog provided space to post information and opinions about candidates running for the board and inappropriate behaviors on our ball fields that parents wanted the Schools and the Baseball League to be aware of.
AVeryPlainview has become an online forum for residents when traditional forums didn't seem to work. It would appear from comments posted on the Blog that there are people in Plainview and Old Bethpage who feel disenfranchised, unrepresented, and unable to speak freely in public. I understand the fear of being identified. I have heard about retribution in our district and about how those who do speak out feel that their children pay the price for it. I would like to go on record that I will be monitoring this issue for my own children going forward.
The Blog has a large following with new visitors daily, and the freedom to post anonymously is a great draw for many. I would love people to sign their names and stand behind what they say. Perhaps if all of us did this, there would be too many people for the district to punish by penalizing our children.
I have spoken out at board meetings and felt very uncomfortable. I still speak out occasionally but more importantly, I go to board meetings. I do this because it is the only way I can hold the district accountable. I am here. I am listening. I wish more people in POB did this -- I believe we would have a greater voice. Several years ago I attended a PTA meeting to find out more about the controversy surrounding the math program when parents were actually showing up at board meetings and yelling, and the PTA conferred with the principal and told me that the math program was not something that would be discussed there. I didn't feel like it was representing me or encouraging a dialogue between teachers and parents and I felt like I had no where else to go.
Clearly, AVeryPlainview is a venue for those of us who feel quiet suggestions do not work. One thousand signatures on the Remove the Math Program Petition wasn't exactly the conventional way to go, but it gave a voice for those who normally wouldn't speak up. The only people who thought it was whining are those who no longer work here.
The Blog is not my "little aria" right now and should probably be called the, "Voice of Plainview Old Bethpage." as my opinion has not been posted for many many months. I have printed almost every one of the comments I have received because it was not my place to censor the voice of the community. Many know I am friends with Stephanie Nelkens (who is in no way connected to AVeryPlainview) and it pained me to print some of what was said about her. In order for the blog to have credence, it had to be your opinion, not mine.
I will say that I am concerned about our district and the education that my children receive, and I will continue to talk to and work with the BOE, teachers, and the administration in any way that I can to ensure the best education possible for our children.
I encourage you all to keep writing. I hope my "coming out," will encourage you to sign your name to your posts and be counted. I will keep posting as long as there is something to say about life in PlainviewOldBethpage. Words are powerful.
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