What to expect when you speak to the BOE on April 16.

 

Create a dialogue of a debate between 2 people: one who is a board member and the other a concerned taxpayer. The debate is over whether to reduce teachers and cut college prep classes for students. (AI)

Scene: School Board Meeting - Public Comment

Moderator: Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. Our next speaker is Mr. Ramirez, a concerned taxpayer. Mr. Ramirez, the floor is yours.

Mr. Ramirez: Thank you. Board members, I'm here tonight deeply troubled by the recent proposal to cut teachers and college prep classes. This is a short-sighted decision that will cripple our children's futures.

Board Member Jones: Mr. Ramirez, we understand your concern. However, the board is facing a significant budget shortfall. Reducing staff is a difficult but necessary step to ensure the district remains financially solvent.

Mr. Ramirez: Solvency at what cost, Ms. Jones? Larger class sizes mean less individual attention for students. Cutting college prep courses shuts the door on aspirations. We're not just talking about numbers on a spreadsheet, we're talking about dreams.

Board Member Jones: We offer a variety of programs to prepare students for their futures, Mr. Ramirez. Vocational training is an excellent option for many students, and these cuts won't impact those programs.

Mr. Ramirez: But Ms. Jones, shouldn't we be aiming to give all students every opportunity to succeed? Not everyone knows what they want to do at 16. These college prep courses open doors to universities, scholarships, careers they might not have even considered. Cutting them limits their options.

Board Member Jones: The reality, Mr. Ramirez, is that not everyone is college material. We need to focus on preparing students for the jobs that are available right now. Trade schools and vocational programs offer valuable skills that lead directly to employment.

Mr. Ramirez: But shouldn't we also be nurturing ambition, Ms. Jones? What about the student who discovers a passion for engineering in a college prep physics class? What about the one who finds their voice in a literature course and pursues journalism? These cuts stifle that potential.

Board Member Jones: We appreciate your passion, Mr. Ramirez. The board is committed to providing a quality education for all students. These cuts are not ideal, but they are necessary.

Mr. Ramirez: With all due respect, Ms. Jones, a "quality education" shouldn't come at the expense of students' futures. I urge you to reconsider this proposal. There have to be other ways to balance the budget that don't sacrifice our children's dreams.

Moderator: Thank you, Mr. Ramirez. Your time is up.

(Audience applause)