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As most of you likely know, GHS is experiencing a difficult issue in the selection of awards for the graduation ceremony.
At the heart of the issue is how the school procedure was followed. A parent has objected to the procedure, and this has resulted in groups from outside of our community, who know nothing about us, making harsh and accusatory statements in the board's public meetings. Any open discussion on our part has had to consider privacy issues and respect for the children involved.
In any organization or family, there will be conflict. It is how we deal with that conflict that defines us.
We respect the individual opinions and different perspectives. However, there are respectful ways in which to voice those and work through issues while keeping our focus on the children involved, not only the award recipients, but the entire senior class and the Gainesville High School faculty.
Please know that the community groups in which we work with regularly, like the Newtown Florist Club, Grady Young Foundation and the Fair Street-Butler Alumni group, have responded with respectful concern.
Being "one" means looking at the needs of all of our children and community and considering their needs as well as our own especially during the tough times. It is easy to be one when things are going well, however, it is in unity of purpose that we weather the stormy times. It is this strength of your commitment that I see each day that will keep us strong.
Thank you for your consideration and dedication to our children and school system.
Merrianne Dyer
Superintendent, Gainesville City Schools