On Tuesday, Seesums displayed real leadership when she made the first move to bring sanity to what was becoming an extremely emotional and partisan battle between the advocates for union rights versus union responsibilities. In a news release which appeared yesterday, Seesums said that the teachers were willing to embrace a set of reforms that were very similar to changes Gallo initially proposed.
This shift in position is a welcome change from the bellicose bullying and insensitivity demonstrated back in February by American Federation of Teachers union rep James Parisi . By demonstrating a more reasonable position, Seesums opened the door for reconciliation.
According to today's story, Superintendent Gallo's response is
“My heart skipped a beat,” Gallo said after reading Sessums’ proposal. “I thought, ‘They are basically saying they want what we want for the first time, with the kind of assurances I need.’ … This brings the union back with us, in the conversation about meaningful reform. It’s where they should be.”
While there are issues still to be resolved, these adults have potentially given the students of Central Falls High a valuable lesson about responsibility and conflict management.
Transformation requires the cooperation of all parties and transformation is the only way to salvage the best of the past while adapting to the realities of a rapidly changing future. Now if only the public commentators will take a moment to reflect on what is happening, maybe they will support Central Falls' effort to correct the problems that are causing their high school to be classified as a "Failing School." Then Central Falls might become a positive model for educational reform, rather than the partisan poster child for those who would destroy unions or destroy public education.
Best of luck to all.
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