by Lynn Smith, Essex Junction
Twas the beginning of school office budget construction
Not a person would affirm the need for reduction.
In superfluous, unnecessary, irrational spending
And demand an overhaul, a purge, a budget upending!
The children of the district are woefully behind
In mathematics and literacy, but not manipulation of mind.
“Social and Emotional Learning stands strong in our midst”
Says Director of Equity, with smile affixed.
The board is on top of the declining enrollment,
With all the administrators leveraging controlment.
Downsizing now, when it’s been a problem for years?
What drove the change in the admin’s gears?
The verbage is clear. . . “we must eliminate teachers!”
What about admin? Are they too valuable as preachers
of political ideology, of negative renderings, of diversity,
equity and inclusion meanderings?
There once was a time when this district stood tall,
The envy of others both large and small.
“What happened?” we say. “Why the fall from grace?”
Maybe, just maybe a cleansing should take place.
What about a return to fact, not feelings-based learning,
with a faculty and staff more bent on discerning,
Than following what the politically correct say –
with superintendence that does not lead astray.
So there you have it in a rough nutshell,
thoughts on which all of us should dwell.
Do we keep failing our children with little remorse?
Or do we set our sleigh on a new course?
It’s a great time to think about revamping the system,
a season to reflect and encourage true wisdom.
Using knowledge proven through time and testing.
This is certainly not a time for laurels resting.
And now to bring this all to a close
And remembering Rudolph’s guiding red nose,
lest you think I won’t say it due to fright –
Merry Christmas to all, and to all good night.
- Received by the Chronicle Wednesday, December 20 from the author, who wrote: “I’m submitting my revamp of Clement Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ written especially for the EWSD board and administration, though it’s appropriate for most of the districts around the state.”