Talk About

 

Community

 

I am sure by now you are aware that Principal Dougherty will not be returning to Elmont Memorial High School for the ’23-’24 school year. I am also sure that you, like myself, are shaken by this disturbing news. I thought that after the overwhelming outcry from the students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and community at large, the matter of Principal Dougherty’s employment was settled. That the School Board had heard and understood the power of our voices and that Doc would be able to continue as Principal of Elmont. 

 

 

The current School Board has once again proven that they have no respect for our children, their education, or their wellbeing, for us as people, for us as a community. They have repeatedly made decisions that are averse to the positive and successful outcomes of our students, which quite honestly is bewildering. The School Board seems to have forgotten why they occupy their positions and what their responsibilities are. Under any other employment situation, they would be deemed incompetent, insubordinate, and inept at the jobs they are tasked to do. Termination would be their outcome.

 

In stark contrast, under the administrative brilliance of Principal Dougherty, Elmont has achieved the following:

  • A 97% graduation rate, whereas the national average is 86% as of the last aggregated data of 2020.

  • Transformed school culture in positive and productive ways.

  • Drastically reduced the student suspension rate.

  • Created a safe space for our Muslim students to practice their faith during the Holy Season.

  • Been recognized by The New York State Department of Education for having one of the top ten schools for graduating young men of color.

 

I guess the School Board feels that his stellar accomplishments and exemplary leadership, is not quite the correct fit for a high school in a predominantly minority community. Perhaps they feel that such a community as ours is undeserving of such an incredible, dedicated, and able man at the helm. But, possibly his most audacious accomplishment, the one which frightens the School Board the most and is likely behind their questionable decisions, is his founding of The Men Of Elmont Mentoring Program. Bringing together the gentlemen and male students of Elmont in order to forge relationships that foster positive outcomes that include better grades, stronger minds and passionate and outspoken young men, is obviously not on the board’s agenda. Principal Dougherty’s impact was clearly demonstrated earlier in the school year when we were blindsided by the news that he would not be returning for the school year.

 

Community, we have a right to be shocked, angry and disgusted! The Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education sacrificed our children for their personal gain and egos in the face of their blatant inability to, and disinterest in, being responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of our children and our community.

 

So, now Elmont is in an indefensible position. We are losing a consummate advocate in our Superintendent and an unfaltering champion in our Principal. We have not been briefed on who will fill his unfillable shoes come July as there is no comparison to what we already have, admire and are endlessly grateful for. While there is a lot we don’t know about where we will be on July 1, 2023, we damn sure know what we currently have and lost with yesterday’s announcement. We lost a leader. We lost a school advocate that has led our school, directed, and inspired our scholars on a journey of success. We lost genuine love and respect for this community, not like the Trustees that show up once a month for a board meeting and look down on us. We lost compassion, dedication, and a member of our Elmont family.

 

Community, this is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. In this moment, in light of these events, you have to decide if you are going to show the school board what you think of their decisions. Decisions that have not reflected the needs of our students and your wishes but definitely illustrate how they really view you? Or are you going to allow them to continue to make decisions that dismantle the gains that our students and Elmont have made?

 

As a PTSA, we are here to help advocate for what is best for our children. The PTSA cannot tell you how to vote. However, we can tell you to show your strength in numbers, encourage you to have your voices be heard by voting and support your efforts to advocate for our scholars. We know the power of one voice and the impact that it makes. When you, as a community, as one voice speaks, the board as elected representatives should listen and invite you to the table.

 

We are well past the point of asking for permission and have now been forced to a posture of demand. If they choose to treat this demand with disregard, as they have all our other concerns, then we show them that we have not forgotten our power and vote. As well, make sure those who have clearly demonstrated that they have the best interest of our students and their success at heart, are voted into office. Whatever you do, recognize that this is GO TIME! Vote for trustworthy school board trustees.

 

On May 16th, join me and show the board of Education of the two Elmont School districts who really has the power.

 

Do it for our scholars.

Do it for our community.

Do it for Doc!

 

** - We will be hosting an emergency PTSA Town Hall on Tuesday, April 11th at 7PM in the EMHS Auditorium. We expect to see you there.**