As a concerned grandparent who lives in Baldwin County, I feel compelled to speak on behalf of many families who are deeply frustrated with the conduct and priorities of our local school boards. For far too long, parents have been treated as a nuisance – granted three rushed minutes to speak, only to be dismissed, ignored, or even silenced when our concerns don’t align with the board's narrative.
We are not extremists, nor are we interested in political grandstanding. We are mothers, fathers and grandparents who care deeply about our children’s education, values and well-being. Yet, our input is often brushed aside with condescension, and school boards act more like bureaucracies trying to manage public relations than public servants accountable to the communities they represent.
Parents are frustrated because we see a growing disconnect between what’s being taught and the fundamentals our kids need – reading, writing, math, science, and civic responsibility. Instead, we watch as school time is increasingly used to push ideological agendas that many of us never agreed to and were never consulted about. When we dare question curriculum decisions, classroom materials, or spending priorities, we’re met with deflection and accusations rather than transparency or meaningful dialogue.
Perhaps most infuriating is the unwillingness of many school boards to be held accountable. Whether it’s decisions on COVID closures that disrupted learning for a generation, failing test scores, or ballooning administrative costs, no one seems to take responsibility. Instead, the blame is shifted to parents, teachers, the state – anyone but those making the decisions.
We are not the enemy. We are partners in our children’s education, and we want to be treated as such. We want open dialogue, respect for differing viewpoints, and school leadership that serves rather than dictates. This is not too much to ask. These are public schools, and they belong to the people – not to insulated boards that hide behind policy and process.
It’s time for school boards to remember who they serve: the families and students of this community. Our voices matter. We will not be silent anymore.
Barry Nowlin is a retired English professor from the University of South Alabama. He presently works as an Uber driver for his two grandkids.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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