Dear Friends,
A meeting last week with NYC Council-member Barron went very well. We met for about 1 1/2 hours.
Also in attendance: CM Barron’s Legislative Aide, Jan Atwell, CM Dromm’s Legislative Aide, Betty Davis, from CM Barron’s district.
CM Barron was a HS Principal for 20 years. She was not aware of the details of the program and most disturbed by:
1/ military recruiters lack of teaching certification, a non-certified person teaching during school class hours should have a certified NYC teacher in the room during the lesson. ( I didn’t know this)
2/ no oversight of the curriculum
3/rifles in the classroom, during drills, etc.
She, personally, was going to bring these issues to the attention of Chancellor Farina and demand response and explanations. She’ll get back to me by the end of November.
Jan & Betty added so much to the meeting from their political and educational experiences and knowledge. Betty Davis was amazing – on top of the issue and outspoken. She was an assistant principal in a high school for many years.
Jan is a strong supporter of our campaign and presented CM Dromm’ concerns very clearly and decisively.
Many questions were posed and I had lots of info and ‘most’ of the answers for them. It was very congenial and positive.
It was suggested that I speak at a CPAC meeting (Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council – http://www.cpacnyc.com). They meet for one day usually during the first week of the month. It was suggested that I have a Vet join me to speak about the issue as well. We’ll only get 1 chance to present our concerns and reasons for reallocating the funding.
If you have any ideas about a Vet you know who might be interested in speaking to this parent group? We know there are Vets that go into classrooms to speak with students, but this is a different issue to take on.
I would appreciate any advice and recommendation so I can set up a meeting with CPAC for possibly Nov. or Dec.
Should I send this info to others as well?
As usual – I’m cautiously optimistic. But, at least, we’re being heard and taken seriously. Everyone in the room knows the Granny Peace Brigade. Our presence in the street and at City Hall does make a difference.
Students not Soldiers,
Barbara Harris
for the Granny Peace Brigade
Granny Peace Brigade 