Posted By: Another Parent Afraid of Retaliation
I applaud the willingness of Cindy Joncas to share her experience with the intimidation and "bullying" that members of our Okemos Administration and their goons direct to anyone who dares question how their children are educated.
I find it incredible that a district which places such a value on diversity - has absolutely no tolerance for diverse opinions when it comes to their world.
I can only offer an epilogue to Cindy's story. The Okemos Education Foundation which was originally created to "secure funds needed to enrich educational opportunities and encourage innovative educational endeavors that are beyond the district's normal budgetary and operational functions.", recently rewarded the unnamed principal with the Commitment to excellence award.
When did the Okemos Education Foundation last give a grant to enrich education opportunities? Their website says 2003-2004. This group started with the noble goal of helping the district expand educational opportunities, Somehow, this group is now simply another one of the weapons available to the Okemos Administration to keep people in line. The OEF chairperson is very active in attacking candidates not supported by the administration, making intimidating calls to those who dare raise questions, and sending letters to local papers with the same bullying tone.
If you contribute to this group - ask yourself if this is why you contribute. In a time of dire financial needs - it would be nice if some of the donations to this group really addressed the need to enrich educational opportunities..