Yesterday, I posted about the appalling case of Brandon Zivi, and I also posted the link to the page with email addresses for the Conroe Independent School District. The hearing is tomorrow. Now, the school is claiming not only that Brandon's girlfriend was in no danger, but that Brandon had tried to "give" out his medication before, as though a student with severe asthma would push a prescription medication on students who did not need it (thankfully, Brandon will have an attorney present). Here is the letter that I sent to Dr. Don Stockton, Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Dr. Stockton -
My name is Kimberly Swygert, and I run a weblog about education reform and standardized testing. Many of my readers are parents, and I find myself posting on topics outside of testing because of my readers' interests. I often post about zero-tolerance policies and the sometimes-idiotic results that follow from a blind adherence to such policies.
The case of Brandon Kivi is, I believe, one of the worst zero-tolerance situations that I have encountered. It is absolutely appalling that a school board, and a principal, would adhere so closely to the letter of the law that they would choose to put a student's life in danger. This is the sort of situation that reveals such a policy for the unworkable and dangerous law that it is, and I am saddened to see that the school has abdicated its ability to make judgements and its willingness to put the health of its students above all else.
I have posted about this situation on my blog, and I posted a link to CISD Board of Trustees page, which includes email addresses for all the board members. I urged my readers to write in before the scheduled hearing of Mr. Kivi's fate. I hope that the board makes the right decision and does not follow through with its threats of punitive action against Mr. Kivi. Expelling him would do nothing but demonstrate to the students of Caney Creek High School that their administrators and teachers are unwilling or unable to use good judgment in situations that may seriously affect a student's health, and that any student who innocently offers to help another student will face punishment so severe as to derail his or her educational career.
You may read my comments on this story here:
http://www.kimberlyswygert.com/archives/001431.html
And rest assured that I will post the results of the hearing on my page as well.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Swygert
Number 2 Pencil