I remember watching those comments on Davis Media Access. The public comments seemed to be politely given and received. I think I have seen all the of the letters to the editor on the topic, and it all seemed to be civil. When and by whom was Mr. Monticello characterized as racist, bigot, and troublemaker? Those are serious accusations for anyone to make in this context.

I agree that “shooting the messenger” is not a constructive or helpful way to begin a dialogue about imbalances between the neighborhood and special programs within the school district. However, I did listen to Mr. Monticello’s comments to the School Board, and I can see how his words could have been misinterpreted. What it sounded like Mr. Monticello was saying was that the Montessori program is better *because* there are fewer Hispanics, English-language learners, and low-income students. In other words, he came across to some as saying “Whiter, richer = better.” After talking with neighborhood parents and learning more about the situation, I realized that this was not the message that was meant to be conveyed. And it is unfortunate that this misunderstanding derailed what I do think is a very important conversation.

As one of the few African-American parents in the Montessori program, I am very sensitive to the issue of de facto segregation. I, and other Montessori parents, have been racking our brains trying to come up with solutions to the demographic imbalances that exist. We’ve discussed improving outreach efforts and ways to solve the mobility issue. We’ve talked about ways to change the misperception that Montessori is an elite or exclusive program. We want action and solutions too!

Best,
Cindy Pickett