Superintendent Robert Tomback reported to the Board of Education Monday night that 99.994% of Harford County Public Schools students viewed President Barack Obama’s address last week.
The students were said to have “engaged in meaningful dialogue and discussion in their classrooms on Wednesday and Thursday of last week.”
Here is a description, provided by HCPS, of the presentation made to the Board of Education during Monday’s meeting:
Received a presentation regarding the usage of the Presidential Address in Harford County Public Schools. Superintendent Robert M. Tomback reported that 99.994% of Harford County Public Schools students viewed President Barack Obama’s address and engaged in meaningful dialogue and discussion in their classrooms on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Mrs. Linda Chamberlin and Mr. David Volrath, directors of elementary and secondary education respectively, presented information regarding instructional activities that were used to maximize the teachable moment of the address. Mr. Roger Plunkett, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, presented ways in which curriculum supervisors enhanced materials to be used in conjunction with the address. Four Principals and a teacher were also present to share activities that their schools participated in that were directly in-line with their existing School Improvement Plans and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs. Additionally, community members shared their expectations for Harford County Public School students’ having an opportunity to view the Presidential address.
I wonder if I was at the same meeting last night? I will admit that all of that was shared in the beginning but over 1 hour of the meeting were general public comments mostly upset that the address wasn’t shown. Many people accused the school system of censorship, sanctioning the President, disrespect towards the Office of the President. Someone even said their actions were “hateful and without cause.” Many speakers accused the school system of caving into political pressure. The co-chairperson of the Obama campaign for Harford County even suggested that civil rights may have been violated. Furthermore, Leonard Wheeler did say that HCPS was racist. I would encourage people to watch the BOE meeting on HCN next Tuesday so they can see for themselves.
Apparently the HCN schedule was incorrect and the BOE meeting from last night is on tonight.