Chapter 29 #2
The board nodded and he continued. “New teachers lack the experience of their seasoned counterparts, but many of them bring in new and innovative ways to educate our students. New just means new. It doesn’t necessarily mean bad or unqualified.”
She gave him a hard look before glancing at her copy of his report in front of her.
“I see you’ve made several cuts in the extracurricular programs offered across the schools. Yet, I still believe there are more that can be cut to yield greater financial benefits. For instance, the creative arts program hasn’t been cut. It seems to me that program should be closed as well.”
“As you know, I did consider cutting it. But the fundraising to keep the program has gone really well. We’re nearing our goal.
The upcoming talent show is projected to get us across the line.
As you know, this program helps many of our creative students fine-tune their skills and gives them their only shot at earning a full scholarship for college.
Not to mention, there’s all sorts of data that identifies the arts as a means to keep kids productive and safe, to teach them communication and networking skills, and to think broadly and outside of the box. Our kids need this program.”
“That’s encouraging to hear, but I wonder if it’s just giving the children false hope.”
Adam noted each face around the table, trying to gauge if this resistance was something the entire board felt or just Dr. Brent.
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“Well,” she continued, “let’s say they met their financial burden this year, who’s to say they can do the same every year afterward. It seems you’re prolonging their disappointment by allowing this to continue.”
“I don’t believe so,” he replied. “I’m in the process of applying for grants from private and federal foundations that support the arts.
You know from my initial interview, I’ve had marked success with grant-writing for the schools I’ve worked in before.
If we’re able to secure funding, I don’t see why the kids would have to be disappointed. ”
He saw some members nodding in agreement. That gave him some relief. However, he was very much aware of Dr. Brent’s influence. She was the key to it all. If he couldn’t convince her, then he was certain his cause would be lost.
He’d already lost Janae and the promise of whatever it was they were slowly building. He couldn’t lose another thing—including this program for his students.
“Dr. Henderson, you were hired with specific instructions to cut the budget—”
“Yes,” he responded before she could continue.
“I’ve done that and will continue to do that.
But nowhere did the board mandate how I was to do that.
I would think if I could manage to fulfill my fiduciary duty to the district and keep this beneficial program for the kids going, that would be a win for everyone.
Education is about possibility, not limitation.
Let’s not limit our students unless we have to. ”
Dr. Brent pursed her lips and he couldn’t tell if she was seriously pondering something, or if she was pissed. “Why are you fighting so hard for this program now?”
Dr. Brent’s question rubbed him raw. Was she hinting at his relationship with Janae again?
The truth was, he didn’t care if she was.
Yes, Janae had influenced him. As far as he was concerned, he was better off for it, and his students would benefit from Janae’s influence too.
Unfortunately, that answer probably would get him fired.
“Our students deserve our complete support.” He took a moment to study the room, making certain he had everyone’s attention. “And yet, by pushing STEM and sports programs we are only supporting a portion of our student body. What I’m proposing is this district move from STEM to STEAM.”
Adam watched as the board members looked first to each other and then fixed their eyes on him. He knew he had a captive audience at this point, so it was up to him to lead those present to a different path none of them had considered before.
“By including the arts, we reach those students whose minds and interests are challenged by creativity. We nurture those freethinkers who don’t always flourish in STEM subjects.
By doing this, we give all our children our support and teach them that whatever their interests, there’s a place for them in this district and that we will help them explore and refine their abilities, no matter which subjects they have an affinity for. ”
Adam’s gaze slid across the room, watching for change in body language that might give him a clue as to how his message was received.
He could see some of the members giving small nods while other’s expressions softened.
But when his stare landed on Dr. Brent’s impassive face, yet again he was having a hard time reading her.
“Dr. Henderson,” she began slowly, “you’ve given us much to think about. I’ll ask you to step out of the room and give us a few moments to confer before we render our decision on this matter.”
He nodded, walking out of the room with his shoulders straight and his eyes forward. He needed them to see he was a man in control of himself and by extension, this district. He needed their confidence if he was going to keep his job, but more importantly, serve his students.
He stood in the hall, certain he’d done all he could to help save the arts program. Then a thought hit him square in the chest, forcing him to lean against a nearby wall for support.
Have you done all you can to save your relationship with the woman you love?
Without a moment’s hesitation, he knew the answer to that question.
He had not given Janae his all. He’d given her up without a fight, just like he had in the past when it came to his dad.
He’d just accepted that his father’s assessments were just a father trying to do right by his son.
Whether that was true or not, he knew he’d have to answer to his father.
Confronting Grady Henderson had been a cleansing balm for his soul. He’d faced his father and he’d survived. He was finally his own man. He was just missing one thing, the woman he loved.
The door to the conference room opened and one of the members gestured for Adam to re-enter the room. When the members were seated, Dr. Brent looked at him.
“Considering the progress you’ve made in such a short time, the board is inclined to allow you to continue your current plan of action. Let’s hope that progress continues into our next scheduled meeting.”
Although her words were brief and sharp, Adam’s heart couldn’t help squeezing in delight. He’d make certain his current plan of action would work. At this point, failure wasn’t an option. Not for his students, and not for him either. Whatever he had to do, he’d make sure of it.
Now, there was only one thing left to do. Get Janae back.