If we think that we have the right to judge another, then perhaps that judgment should be based “…upon the content of a person’s character…” (Paraphrasing from Dr. Martin Luther King).
As parents and educators we teach our children the humanness of tolerance.
When I first entered the arena as a candidate for the CCUSD School Board – almost immediately, an article appeared in a letter to thefrontpageonline.com twith the title “…Where Has Siever Been…?”
This was written by a person who is supporting other candidates in this race.
Another person even wondered why would a professor/educator want to run to be a member of the CCUSD School Board (implying that I was overqualified for the position!).
It appeared to be beyond their comprehension that there could be someone like me, who really loves our young people and is committed and honored to be educating them.
I did not respond to either of the above persons because, if they were earnest, they could have called me (my home phone number is listed on all of my public documents); whereupon, we could have had a genuine one-on-one conversation.
Also, I did not want to participate in an impersonal, online discussion that would just evolve into what is called the “bandwagon” effect (i.e., everyone gets on board…).
I have dedicated my life to the education of our youth.
It is more than a passion. I’ve found that education is “portable wealth” – it enriches the mind, body and soul. It helps us to come together, as a people, as human beings who can work together for the common good.
I’ve lived in Culver City since 1973, and all of my four children were educated in Culver City schools. I am proud to have seen Culver City grow to the heights that it is today.
My maiden name is Gammage, a name pretty well known in Arizona.
My father, who was born in Douglas, Arizona, and was a mixture of White Mountain Apache and African. My mother’s people were from Tennessee.
I was born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles.
I must say that I have seen and fought against intolerance, “close up.”
In closing, as a candidate for the CCUSD School Board, I’ve tried to conduct a campaign that concentrated on those issues that would strengthen and expedite our CCUSD’s movement toward academic excellence, because our young people will have to compete in the global context.
I respect all of my colleagues who are running for the School Board.
All of us have taken time out from our lives and families to engage in this more than worthy enterprise.
To all of my colleagues, I have learned a lot from each of you.
I really look forward to working with you in the future. Now is the time to “thank you” for sharing this exciting journey.
Ms. Siever may be contacted at sieverpg@aol.com
