Friday Night Football
Dear Neighbors,
The decision to run for the Euclid City school board was not one that I took lightly. The first conversation I had about it was two years ago. More recently, I’ve had dozens of conversations with school employees, residents, other parents and my own children.
Often, people ask what my “platform” is or what changes I plan to make when I am elected. The truth is, I didn’t know at first, and I still don’t know to some extent. All I know is that I have watched our school system — which serves predominantly African American students — struggle for years, with a revolving door of leadership and a statewide educational system that sets us up to fail.
Since announcing my candidacy, however, one core issue keeps coming up for me:
Strong school-family-community relationships are essential for the survival of our schools
This morning, I’m sad and overwhelmed at the work ahead of us. Why?
Last night’s football game was a disaster, and I’m not just talking about the scoreboard which left Euclid down by over 30 points against rival Cleveland Heights. After multiple fights broke out, the concession stand and the restrooms were shut down. We were all told to stay in our seats or leave. Students in line for food were rude to the parent volunteers and the whole crowd was eventually dispersed with pepper spray — innocent bystanders included. My husband couldn’t get back in after taking our 12-year-old daughter home, and staff/security were far outnumbered by confused and anxious students and visitors.
Many people left before half-time “I don’t like the energy” said one student, and then the band was sent home. A young couple next to us said “that was the only reason I was here, to hear the band” and made their way out of the stadium. Then, when the game was over and the seats emptied out — staff, including our superintendent — stayed safely inside the gates while hundreds of students navigated the charged energy and police cars to make their way out. “I hope everyone makes it home safely,” I said over and over again.
It’s really hard to hear people make generalizations about our community. “They’re just perpetuating stereotypes” I heard one student say about the 95% African American crowd — nevermind that 99% of the ticket holders just wanted to have a good time. Football games are supposed to be the epitome of good family fun, so what happened last night?
Was it the hyped up energy of a rivalry?
Outside instigators?
Do our students not respect the school leadership?
Were there not enough staff present at the game?
Is it PTSD from students living through a combined pandemic, racial injustice and economic crisis?
I can’t claim to have the answers to any of those questions — but I’m here to be a part of the solution.
Today, I am thinking about all the conversations in my future, and the question I am going to start asking every resident I meet: “Will you join me in building a strong community for Euclid City Schools?”
I want the mayor and city hall to be at our football games — not just for the photo opp, but for real community engagement. I want to know other Euclid parents more deeply, working together and celebrating together, healing our community together. I want our students to feel heard and understood by the people who are hired to educate them. I want the teachers and administrators who are authentically committed to Euclid students to be listened to, supported and recognized for their efforts.
I’m done being sad and discouraged. I’m ready to get to work, and I’m asking you to join me.
How can you help?
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