PAGE A6, KEIZERTIMES, MARCH 26, 2021
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PUBLIC SQUARE welcomes all points of view. Published submissions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Keizertimes
SKPS director responds
to recent turmoil
By SATYA CHANDRAGIRI
I believe despite what they say pub-
licly or privately, every board director was
aware of why they voted in a certain way
regarding the performance review of the
superintendent.
As a board chair I have tried to be inclu-
sive, thoughtful, and done my due dili-
gence in completing the superintendent
evaluation. The evaluation process was
thorough, constructive and went above
and beyond the standard that I am told was
the case by those who have served longer
than me.
We also followed the necessary poli-
cies and had two executive sessions where
board directors had ample opportunity
to share their input, disagreement, sug-
gestions, and the reasons for their input.
The superintendent’s input was sought as
required by the policy and her preference
of the process was considered within the
extent of the policies and necessary stat-
utes. In my opinion no opportunity was
omitted in completing this process. It was
fair, respectful and an opportunity to be
constructive.
Director Sheronne Blasi voted "no" to
the summary of the superintendent eval-
uation despite what she states publicly or
in the media, sent the impression that the
board lost its confidence in our superinten-
dent. We now have a major task of helping
our district staff and students regain their
trust and confidence in our public schools.
As a first-generation immigrant and
first person of color to be the chair of
Salem-Keizer school board, I am accus-
tomed to attacks like this. I am prepared to
face any such indignation so that our chil-
dren or generations to come do not have to
go through any such ordeal. I am not sur-
prised. Sadly, the microphone was on.
I was shocked when I learned that the
summary of superintendent evaluation
which expressed confidence in our super-
intendent failed by a 4-3 vote and I did not
in the moment notice that she uttered the
expletive directed towards the chair and
when pointed out appeared to justify and
expressed regret that the mic was on and
it was heard.
I went back and reviewed the tape to
make sure and frankly it has been very
hurtful, felt betrayed and wondering why
her feelings directed towards me should
end up humiliating our superintendent in
the process who has dedicated her entire
career towards our children. It appears
duplicitous action to say the praise and yet
vote against our superintendent.
I never said that dismantling struc-
tural racism is not a messy business. It is
like performing a surgery where we must
cut through layers of policies, prejudices,
power differentials, implicit biases, politics,
entrenched processes. We need courage,
high ethical standards, and mindfulness in
what we say or how we communicate. We
can not walk away when we encounter such
reactions and learn to practice true inclu-
sivity and accept the observations made in
the evaluations even when it comes from a
person of color or someone who has differ-
ent perspectives or lived experiences.
I am sure there are different perspec-
tives and ways to express disagreement
but in the end we have to stay focused on
all our children, students and our com-
munity. Together let’s keep our focus on
addressing very important long neglected
equity issues- overcoming digital divide,
ensuring our students are safe and feel a
sense of belonging especially with recent
decisions made by Superintendent Perry,
close the academic achievement gaps,
ensure we use objective data and account-
ability measures, transparency in our sys-
tem and bring our students back to school.
Our community has suffered enough.
As the chair I ask for the forgiveness
of our community that our children and
students had to witness one of our direc-
tors utter an expletive in the school board
meeting when we all had agreed to our
recent policy on civility and not to use
racially derogatory, sexually obscene pub-
lic comments. Let us use this opportunity
to reflect and learn what led to this cul-
ture where we fail to recognize the diverse
strengths each one of us bring to our com-
munity and stop dehumanizing each other.
(Satya Chadragiri is the president of the
SKPS board of directors.
K EIZER times
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The recepients of the 2020 Chamber of
Commerce First Citizen and other awards
is a demonstration that Keizer is home to
generous, unselfish personalities. Each
year the Chamber bestows honors on
those in the community who have shown
a bottomless well of good works and car-
ing for their city.
This year's list of honorees is a deserv-
ing addition to past winners, stretching
back to 1959.
Keizer's 2020 First Citizen is Kim
Freeman. Freeman served two terms on
the Keizer City Council for two terms.
Her demeanor and work there would have
been sufficient to win an award, but it is
her volunteer work throughout the com-
munity that is the heart of Freeman's
impact.
From The Big Toy project at Keizer
Rapids Park to on-the-ground volunteer-
ing at Gubser's Miracle of Lights food
collection station to the Keizer Network
of Women's (KNOW) Christmas Giving
Basket program, Freeman has been front
and center when Keizerites were in need.
Freeman's compassion for those who
need a helping hand has been evident in
every aspect of her volunteering and her
career as homeowner section manager
with the Oregon Housing and Community
Services Department.
Many Keizer citizens know Freeman as
a city councilor. The lucky ones know her
as a woman who will help whomever and
wherever there is need.
Also honored with the Keizer
Chamber's 2020 awards were Jonathan
Thompson as Merchant of the Year.
Thompson, chief financial officer for
Northwest Dental Arts, is serving as past
president of the board of the Chamber.
Thompson's unwavering boosterism of
Keizer business is deservedly recognized.
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Editorial
His work with the Chamber's Government
Affairs Committee has led him to speak
before the state legislature and other
government bodies. Thompson's work
on Keizer's economic development alone
should garner accolades.
In a world turned upside down by
COVID, especially in our schools, McNary
High School choir teacher Josh Rist did
not let a pandemic throw him a curve
when it came to staying connected with
students and keeping his program robust
without in-person teaching.
Rist was honored with the Service to
Education Award.
The Zoom production of his students—
at home—filming their version of Smile
brought tears to cheeks all around town.
It was beautiful moment at a time when
Keizer needed it.
Each year the head of the Chamber's
board presents the President's Award to a
person who has exhibited stellar service
to the Keizer Chamber of Commerce.
Jason Lewis of Lewis Media Group
was presented the award for his contribu-
tions to the media needs of, not only the
Chamber, but the community, too.
An expert in the field of media produc-
tion, Lewis helped the Chamber navigate
its communications during a time of little
in-person interactions.
We congratulate all the deserving hon-
orees and hold them as role models for
other volunteers.
—LAZ
INTERN
Brooklyn Flint
TRANSLATION
Carlos Cruz
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