Mr. Pickens let both, Mr. Duncan and Dr. Moore, sit down in their spots in the first row. Then he holding up a new piece of paper, he called so nas out. Kids and adults started to co down from the bleachers. One by one they told the board and the people present, their experiences with Jane Golladay.
"I was overweight a few years ago and attended Watsonville High for all four years of high school. I was depressed, and angry at my body." A fit young man told his story. "Junior year was a real low point, and I rember thinking to myself, why even continue living like this? Or living at all? Luckily a friend caught trying to slit my wrists, and told I should see the counselor. I did. And I’ve regretted it since. This woman flat out called obese and that I would die soon anyways. I was scared. Young and dumb. I stopped eating completely. I developed an eating disorder and lost a lot of weight. Too much, too fast, that I beca sick. In fact, I’m still in recovery." He continued on about how her words influenced him, but not in a positive manner.
"I was being bullied my freshman year." A young girl spoke next, with her mother by her side. "It’s been two years. When I brought up the bullying to the school counselor, she told I was being paranoid about nothing. The following week soone stuck gum in my hair, tripped in the halls, and put water in the cracks of my locker to ruin my school books. Not only did she listen to my complaints, she accused of being over-dramatic. It took months for to speak out, and tell my mom what was happening. She had to take the matter to the principal, Dr. Bodon. He dealt with my bullies, and I’m thankful for that. But I was disappointed to see Mrs. Golladay still working at the school. What most adults don’t know, is that there’s a saying among those in need of therapy at school: downplay golladay. She will downplay your problems and issues, and even make you feel like everything is your fault. It’s not a good feeling for any struggling teen in high school."
And it went on. At first, I was embarrassed being up in front of everyone, especially since this eting was mostly about . But as each experience was shared, I realized I wasn’t alone. They were all victims of an awful counselor. However, they didn’t have a Dr. Moore to refute the counselors words and tell them that they would be okay. They didn’t have a Mrs. Atkins who would pull every connection she has to get an ergency eting. They didn’t have the Atkins financial freedom to hire a lawyer to take on the school and the district. At this mont, I felt extrely humbled. Even with a rough start at life, I was given a second chance with a family who were beyond perfect. At least...in my eyes.
After all the speakers had a chance to share their story, Mr. Pickens stood up and faced the board mbers. "I’m not done just yet. I wanted to bring up another subject or two that Golladay had shared with Jake. She accused Zeke Atkins, the eldest of the Atkins boys, of blackmailing his own coach to get Jake on the team. And if that wasn’t enough, she suggested the Mary and Wayne may have even paid for him to be on the team."
"I’ve heard about the Atkins boys." Rob Graham spoke up for the first ti. "All four are on the varsity team. Highly unusual for brothers to make the sa team, when they’re all in different grade levels. And then their new foster son also makes the team? Highly improbable."
Mr. Pickens eyes narrowed at the man. "Words like this prove that you don’t even know what you’re talking about." He glanced back at Mr. Atkins. "Wayne, why don’t you share the stats for this season for your boys. Starting with Jake."
Mr. Atkins stood up, turning his body sideways so everyone could hear him clearly. "Jake has a 1.000 batting average. That ans he has yet to get out this season over the course of six ga, four of which he started. He has no fielding errors. My youngest son Noah, isn’t as good at the plate, but has a spectacular glove. His perfect fielding rivals the seniors on the team. Dave and Kyle are pitchers. Dave has given up only one hit over five innings against one of the top schools in the county, San Marino. Kyle has a perfect ga, the first in decades. Zeke is the undisputed top player of the county; if he shouldn’t be on varsity then no one else should be either."
Mr. Pickens turned back to Rob. "Please. Tell which boy doesn’t belong on this team." The man stayed silent, so Mr. Pickens continued. "Not only were these accusations of her hurtful to a young boy, but they were unfounded. My question to you five, is what will happen next?"
Gerald, in the center, stood up. "We are thankful for the enlightennt we’ve gotten from the eting. The next step will be to have a private hearing with Jane Golladay and her union representative."
The gym got loud, filled with voices of disappointnt and demands for imdiate justice.
Surprisingly, it was Mr. Pickens who held up his hands, gesturing for silence. The crowd simred down and all attention was on him once more. He faced the five board mbers.
"That’s doable. She’s has the right for due process. But, I want to remind the five of you, board mbers of our district, that you work for us, the community and the families of the students. As stated in the National School Boards Association handbook, you are to provide support and guidance for parents and guardians of students. Not to protect school employees."
Shouts of agreent echoed.
Mr. Pickens waited for them to settled again, before adding on. "When a school and its teachers and employees fail to et the students’ and parents’ needs, the issue moves to you five on the school board. Not only are you required to be accessible for etings like this, you are to be held accountable for performance and actions of the schools in your district. We ask to not be let down like the previous kids under Golladay’s ’care’." Mr. Pickens gave them a nod and returned to our table.
The crowd behind us exploded with applause. Gerald had to wait more than a few minutes before the masses cald down. He cleared his throat and spoke as loud as he could. "This will be the conclusion of today’s eting. If any of you are interested in attending Jane Golladay’s hearing, we’ll make it a public event to ensure fairness and equality." He was quick to change after Mr. Pickens speech. "It will be tomorrow morning at 9am, in the Board Room of the District office. Space is limited. As it’s held during school hours, we please ask that high schoolers remain in class."
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