The Question

I ask a question before I make decisions as an educational leader. If you ask my teachers, they'll tell you. If you ask my board of education, they'll tell you. That question is, "What's best for kids?" If you ask my students, they might not know this, because sometimes the decisions I make are not wildly popular with them all the time, but it's still what I can see is best for them.

This is central to the idea behind this writing. For a long time, my Twitter account has been devoted to "professional" musings. I've left feelings out. I've left "politics" out. I didn't want to upset or offend. Those who comment on controversial topics open themselves to ridicule. They need to be sure that their opinions are innocuous enough to avoid the ire of those who might disagree and could ultimately affect employment.

It's this notion that has prevented me from saying certain things that could be construed as being political. It's prevented me from speaking up when I truly believe things are not right - when the answer to the question, "Is this best for kids?" would undoubtedly be, "No."

That changes now. We are at a crossroads in American history. Actually, the history of the world. In a half century's time, students around the world will read the stories of how American authorities separated families at the border. The stories of how children cared for children in detainment centers without hygienic supplies.

I won't sit on the sidelines for this. I have a voice, and I need to say something. Saying something is what's best for kids right now.