Let’s roll back the clock to July of 2006. The district recently hired a new superintendent. After a few months, Don Carlson, a vocal critic of the district, wrote an article in the IRMO NEWS praising the new superintendent. This shocked many in our community, as these were some of the only positive words he has ever uttered.

Meanwhile, at every board meeting, at least every one I have attended, Chapin resident Kim Murphy would show up and say something critical about what is going on in the district. Her topics have included Oak Pointe, sewer lines, growth, and of course, enrollment. She has spoken at almost every meeting with something negative to say.

Then in February of 2007, a group of district community members made recommendations about school facilities needs. Andersen worked with that group and supported those recommendations. As these recommendations were contrary to Carlson’s plan for the district, he and his gang of “concerned” citizens immediately began attacking Andersen. (Go back and read the Irmo News to confirm this.)

Why did they make such a flip-flop? Because they did, and still do not, want new schools built in our district. So as soon as Andersen went against their wishes, they sent out the wolves to attack him.

Then in November of 2007, the referendum was held and was defeated. When you analyze the election results by precinct, you will see there were a few areas in our community that strongly supported the bond. Where were they? The residents of the Dutch Fork community, specifically the River Springs precinct, were the biggest supporters of the bond.

Keep that in mind as you read on.

For the past three months, Kim Murphy has been coming to board meetings and publicly attacking board member Robert Gant. Murphy has specifically singled out Gant with negative and divisive comments. She is clearly trying to discredit Gant as she knows he is strongly supported in the Dutch Fork area, and is an avid proponent of addressing our facilities needs through the passage of a bond referendum.

But that is not enough. Murphy and her crowd of supporters, including a blogger with obvious political motivations of his own, have chosen to attack employees in the River Springs and Dutch Fork areas. For instance, there is a widely known attack, right here on this disgusting blog, of the principal of River Springs. And now, that smear is being extended to Oak Pointe employees and beyond.

Why?

By creating confusion, distrust and mayhem, the purpose of those who would destroy our district and public education in general is served.

It is so obvious and yet many cannot see it. Their plan is working and we are letting it work. We are now partnering with them in destroying our district and our community.

We have been consumed with one of the biggest distractions ever. Most of us have played a part in that by wagging our tongues and falling right into the trap laid by the bad intentions of a few.

It is apparent now more than ever that some members of our community are not indeed focused on putting all students first. Some are obviously not concerned about our children at all. Some of us have allowed ourselves to become entrenched in this divisiveness that has been generated by those who do not care about our children.

Don’t beat yourself up if you are one of those who genuinely care about our children, but have become caught up in this intended distraction. There are many others like you. I have been guilty as well. However, time is now wasted looking back, and I am determined to assume my role and take individual action that is going to move us forward in a positive direction. As a long-time resident of this great community, I am standing up and saying, “Enough is enough.” I am no longer going to be influenced by the well-financed, well-orchestrated and extraordinarily malicious tactics of a few people in our community.

Whether you are a parent, staff member, community member or board member, ask yourself this question…”When was the last time I participated in a conversation focused on providing the best educational opportunities for every child in this community?” After all, that is what it is all about. Just think of what we could accomplish if each and every one of us decided to no longer participate in the gossip, no longer participate in the tearing down of others, no longer participate in the negative, destructive talk, but rather to refuse to lose focus on what is at the heart of this issue – the future of our children.

BIN News Editorial Board
Always with Flair and Balance