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article imageParents Outraged At School Board Member's Comments

Posted Apr 25, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel) in Education | 11 comments | 187 views
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Osceola School board recently passed a provision where all students are to wear school uniforms. However, what has parents riled is what was said in an email sent out to them by a board member, implying that some parents are poor, chain-smoking drunks.
Osceola County, FL - It all started with the weekly email that Jay Wheeler sends out. The reason for the emails is to keep parents in the know about what's happening in the school district. Problem is, Mr. Wheeler went a bit too far with his opinions.

Wheeler told Eyewitness News that 9,000 parents receive the weekly email, and is claiming that there's only been a few negative comments that have gotten back to him.

At first, Wheeler wrote in the offending email his thoughts on not subsidizing the cost of the mandatory school uniforms. The uniforms are to consist of only khaki or dark blue shorts or pants, including jeans, and a white or navy blue collared top.

Then, the email says:
"Everyone can afford Wal-Mart and, if they can't, they need to think about turning off their cable TV or stop buying alcohol or stop buying cigarettes and spend their money on their children."


To make matters even worse, he tells Eyewitness News:
"I work two jobs to support my family, we make sacrifices. Some parents aren't willing to. Those parents who aren't willing need to."


Steve Olsen feels this is a slap in the face to hard working parents.
"What he's doing is calling the underprivileged in our community a bunch of chain-smoking drunks. I can't imagine people are going to let that slide," Olson said.


The school district's website has stated that no child will be kicked out of school just because of a family's financial hardships, and help will be available. There is some concern that Wheeler's remarks could drive a wedge between the school board and the parents over this issue. Parents, in the meantime, are calling for Wheeler's resignation from the school board.

Wheeler ended the interview with the comment that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
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  • avatar Posted Apr 25, 2008 by  Bob Ewing
    		#1
    That is not an opinion but a stereotype, he needs to apologize.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 25, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    		#2
    @ Bob Ewing
    That is not an opinion but a stereotype, he needs to apologize.


    I liked what you said before...about him being an ass...because he is. Yes...he should apologize...yet still be booted off the board.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 25, 2008 by  Cynthia T. [Picasso]
    		#3
    What a jerk. He certainly cannot know every families circumstances. To imply that those who cannot afford the uniforms are drunks is nothing but arrogance on his part.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 26, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    		#4
    @ Cynthia T. [Picasso]
    What a jerk. He certainly cannot know every families circumstances. To imply that those who cannot afford the uniforms are drunks is nothing but arrogance on his part.


    It is ignorance, but whatever his true feelings are...they shouldn't be voiced the way he did it. There's a way of saying things w/out offending everyone.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 26, 2008 by  Samantha A. Torrence
    		#5
    He was being a real ass and I would have let him know exactly how I feel. There are some people who buy cigs and beer instead of spending it on better stuff, but I bet I could find alot of frivilous bs in his house too. Does he buy Pop? How about steaks?

    The uniforms are cheap at least, they aren't imposing uniforms that will break a person's budget, but if there are people who cannot afford it or they will lose thier house then the school should be prepared to help.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 26, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    		#6
    @ Samantha A. Torrence
    He was being a real ass and I would have let him know exactly how I feel. There are some people who buy cigs and beer instead of spending it on better stuff, but I bet I could find alot of frivilous bs in his house too. Does he buy Pop? How about steaks?

    The uniforms are cheap at least, they aren't imposing uniforms that will break a person's budget, but if there are people who cannot afford it or they will lose thier house then the school should be prepared to help.


    Makes you wonder, doesn't Samantha? We all have been known to spend money in places where we could have gone w/out...but this guy IS an ass that should have kept his mouth shut.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 26, 2008 by  KJ (momentsintime)
    		#7
    It's been years but the neighbouring county of Polk had some of the same reactions when uniforms were put into place. I remember volunteering at a homeless shelter and handing out school uniforms to parents who were one pay-cheque from being homeless hearing their complaints. Still in the end the uniform policy worked. I am sure that is why the policy is being put over the county line.

    And Wheeler needs to have his little fingers washed with soap! What a brat.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 26, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    		#8
    I don't have a problem with uniforms...if my kids were still in school, that is...but I have a problem w/the likes of Wheeler who is too quick to categorize people.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 28, 2008 by  Chris V. (cgull)
    		#9
    He is representing the school, he should respect everyone and be an example.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 28, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    		#10
    @ Chris V. (cgull)
    He is representing the school, he should respect everyone and be an example.


    You are right, cgull...he should set an example. By stating what he did though...he made himself look like an idiot and riled the parents up.
    quote
  • avatar Posted Apr 30, 2008 by  Nikki W (karateblossom)
    		#11
    He is wrong for saying it publically and as a school board insider, I know wrong.

    Now, is his opinion off base?

    Second hand stores, garage sales and the likes offer the clothing options necessary to complete uniforms. Everyone can afford it.

    What he said was really saying-hey people, your kids need to come first-he just used really poor judgement and should be held accountable.

    Great art deb
    quote

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