[img]1|left|||no_popup[/img] I thought it was a profile in courage and candor last night when one Jason Harris, a father, stepped to the microphone at the special School Board meeting and related a touching story of his family’s decidedly mixed experience with the School District.
Residents of Baldwin Hills, Mr. Harris said that he and his wife chose Culver City for the education of their two daughters because of the School District’s reputation for excellence. For the last two years, the girls have been enrolled at Farragut School.
However, near the end of the recent school term, the permits for both children were revoked. He explained that it was true he owed $200 for food service and “a few times,” because of his work, he was late picking up his daughters from school.
“I am a little frustrated because our permits were revoked,” Mr. Harris said, speaking calmly while a river of regret coursed through his saddened tone. “My kids are good kids.”
As School District officers explained repeatedly — I hope not proudly — throughout the program, revocations are final. There is no appeal.
I don’t know if Mr. Harris told the whole story, but if he had been my father, I would have stood and cheered long before he finished.
He commended the School District for the education his daughters did benefit from. No question that the permit situation should be examined more closely, he said. It probably would be better if the parents of potential and accepted permit students were more directly involved in the process to create a more vivid feeling of camaraderie than he detected in two school years.
Outside vs. Inside
Several parents spoke critically of permit students as outsiders, contending that because they live elsewhere, they could not possibly have the fundamental kind of pride in the school system that hometown children have.
“Outsider” resonated with Mr. Harris. “Honestly, I didn’t feel that welcome,” he said.
But quickly he added, “You have really good schools.”
I cannot think of a parent I know who would stroll into a community forum, identify himself and confess to vulnerabilities without surrounding his story with bushes, shrubs and trees jammed with excuses that put the blame everywhere but with the speaker.
Why can’t the Harris daughters, who evidently earned decent grades, for academics and for comportment, be given a second look, another chance?
I did not hear any admission that sounded heinous.
If the gentleman was faithful to the truth, this is a case worth re-opening.
Can’t the District make exceptions for certain circumstances?
Shoot, on moral courage alone, he merited a new chance.
The Matter of Money
And $200?
If I pay the $200, say Monday afternoon, will the School District re-open the doors for the Harris girls?
Their dad said that the family intends to send the girls to Torrance for the new term.
But if his conduct is a sign of how the children are being raised, wouldn’t the presence of his children be a benefit to the District and the community?
