G-Editorial™: Demonstration of Courage and Leadership
Occasionally, actions of elected officials merit profound praise, admiration, and respect.
Democratically elected officials consisting of Skinner, Starkey, and Pritt [1] earned that distinction.
They pleaded for federal intervention to investigate inequities associated with the State’s unjustified seizure of our schools [2].
They did not waiver because their authority was stripped by the State, and they certainly did not succumb to biddings of the County’s rich and powerful.
Instead, as highly principled officials they took the moral high road.
After the State’s surprise seizure of our schools we know that justifications were fabricated to serve interests of a minority in the County who curried favor with Charleston’s politicians.
What is the evidence?
Ask yourselves what tangible changes have occurred after the State’s seizure to prove that our children will receive better educations, our school facilities are safer, our children will get better protection in a more nurturing learning environment, and taxpayers will get the most for their investments?
After considering facts, how is it possible to answer with anything other than a strident NO!
Citizens are not even given progress reports or plans for the future by Blankenship [3] or Marple [4].
The two individuals also refuse to disclose criteria they will apply in determining when to return the school system to local control.
The evidence supports the belief that State officials in control consider Gilmer County’s citizens unworthy of respectful treatment.
It is especially disturbing that Blankenship and Marple have been silent about the scandal involving allegations of a Gilmer County High School teacher’s improper behavior with an innocent child [5].
What do they intend to do about that?
Their stone cold silence suggests that they simply do not care.
It is unknown what action federal authorities may take in response to the plea from the three school board members.
Regardless of what happens we, the citizens of Gilmer County must band together to fight tirelessly for the welfare and safety of our children.
With involvement of Skinner, Pritt, and Starkey, and Gilmer Schools Coalition (GSC) we have a better chance to make our voices heard to help forge better lives for our children.
The children know about problems with the school system and they wait with wide open eyes to observe what we, the adults will do.
To remain passive is an unviable option and our unified action is the obvious choice.
Gilmer County has suffered from bondage too long by the rich and powerful and through focused unity we can reverse the repression by being assertive for our self- interests and far more importantly those of vulnerable children.
[1] Gilmer County Democratically Elected Board of Education: Pritt – President, Skinner – Member, Starkey – Member.
[2] State’s unjustified seizure of our schools video
[3] Ronlad Blankenship: Gilmer County Schools Superintendent – appointed by WVDE
[4] Jorea M. Marple – WV Superintendent of Schools
[5] Printable arrest warrent for GCHS teacher
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Congratulations to Hunter Ashley for getting a 2nd place in the Discus throw. He may be a Freshman, but he can definately out throw a lot of sophmores, Juniors and seniors. Way to go Hunter. Practice always pays off. Proud of you.