School Board 'punks out' on Evans band trip
Editor:
The Evans High band has been selected to represent Georgia and the United States in the Lord Mayors Day Parade on New Years Day. This is quite an honor, and band members have worked hard for three years to prepare and to save the money needed to attend.
I was momentarily pleased to hear that Columbia County School Superintendent Tommy Price and the Board of Education was willing to leave the decision up to the parents, as it should be. Then they had to cover their backsides by refusing to sanction the trip, and requiring a release to absolve them from responsibility if anything happens. For good measure, they then labeled parents who would let their children go as irresponsible. Even the band members feel like the Board punked out on them. Recent coverage seemed to indicate that since the money had been paid, we irresponsible parents cared more about not wasting the money than about our childrens safety.
As one of the irresponsible parents, I would like to point out a few things. We sent two representatives to London to meet with officials, to discuss security, and make an independent evaluation. We have been in touch with the State Department, and they have promised to advise us if the situation becomes more unstable. All the parents understand they have until the children actually get on the plane to change their mind if they are uncomfortable. I can assure you that if we feel that there is any danger, my wife and child will not board the airplane, and the money is not even a consideration.
Band Director Richard Brasco has worked long and hard to build a band program that Evans High and the community can be proud of. This program is consistently recognized as one of the best year after year. Obviously if the world situation gets worse, the trip will be cancelled, but with the president and everyone telling us to get on with life, dont the members of the Evans High Band deserve the support of the School Board and the Community at large?
Tom McCarthy
Martinez