INFREQUENT PROBLEMS

It is a given that school administrators are never eager to see
anything they perceive as negative appearing in the local press. So
it was with a minor story about a few students bringing alcohol and
pot to a local elementary school.

We are inevitably urged to suppress these stories because they will
only feed the belief by some in our community who are convinced that
the schools are dens of iniquity. That some might misinterpret the
news is always a risk but there are risks involved in silence as
well. Not the least is that rumours are brought home by the pupils
which may have only a tenuous connection to the actual events.

In any case, the events at Oliver Elementary can also be viewed as a
good news story. This incident is the first in about a dozen years.
It is hardly a den of iniquity at that frequency.

Administrators would prefer the good news stories to involve
scholastic excellence or outstanding service, but the general
community also wants to hear confirmation that problems - even if
infrequent - are being dealt with.

They are reassured to know administration is prepared to discuss the
issues, and is not trying to sweep them under the rug.