How can you be a role model if the words themselves stick in your throat?

The Oxford Dictionary defines a role model as “a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.” The notion of “inconspicuous role modeling” is oxymoronic. By definition role models must stand out.

There is not a single member of the leadership of the APS standing out as a role model for students. There is not one who will speak the words “role model” in the context of their obligations as the senior most role models in the entire school district.

They have in fact abdicated; abandoned their obligations as role models. The school board voted unanimously to remove the role modeling requirements from their own standards of conduct which used to read;

“in no case shall the standards of conduct for an adult
be lower than the standards for students”.

The school board has begun a public survey in order to find out what characteristics are important to stake and interest holders. You can participate online at https://www.aps.edu/, link

The board offers you a list of two dozen characteristics that they think are most important in superintendent candidates. “Click” on the five you think are most important.

You cannot click on “Willing to serve as a role model for students, of honest accountability to the same standards of conduct that s/he will enforce upon students”.

School board policy as enforced by the superintendent, requires students to model and promote honest accountability to a nationally recognized, accepted and respected code of ethical conduct; higher standards of conduct.

So unimportant it is, in the minds of the leadership of the APS, that in the time it took to think of two dozen “important” characteristics of great superintendents, role modeling never occurred to them.

Or, it did, and they have other, more sinister reasons for leaving it off.

They do not want to talk about role modeling.

More importantly, they don’t want to talk about the standards of conduct to which they are supposed to model actual, honest to God accountability.

You will have to “write in” your opinion on their silly little survey.

Please do. Seriously, do.

Else, your silence gives your consent.