Community member backs parents who aren’t able to attend conferences, meetings

During a Yelm Community Schools (YCS) board of directors meeting on Thursday, April 16, community member Michael Blank took time during the public comment portion of the gathering to support parents within the district who may not be able to attend parent-teacher conferences or other meetings due to numerous reasons.

He opened up the public comment portion of the meeting by claiming during the last board meeting on Thursday, March 26, there was a discussion, led by Chris Woods, superintendent, about poor attendance at several different informational events for parents within YCS.
“When the conversation started to talk about parents not being there at the eighth grade move-up and not showing up to parent-teacher conferences, I believe that it was wrong,” Blank said. “I don’t believe many of us are in their shoes either. The struggles that families are having right now and what families have to do to get by is not the same as when we were younger.”

Blank added that not everyone can earn a six-figure paycheck or have hundreds of thousands of dollars in a retirement account — or even own their own business to make ends meet.

“Some families are dual military, single parents, both parents have to work, or tragic events that led to single parents having to bear all responsibilities to provide,” Blank said. “Some parents have to work multiple jobs.”

According to Blank, a lot of families within YCS have to make a choice. He specified that the choice is to either continue working to provide for their family or to attend those events like parent-teacher conferences or eighth grade move-up night, as not every parent is capable of attending a school-related meeting in the early afternoon.

“A lot of teachers won’t work past the time unless they’re getting paid for their time. With the financial constraints of the district, it’s hard for some families to be accommodated to get to a meeting when they’re available,” Blank said. “They’re forced to make a choice. They don’t have to like the choice, but they’re doing the best with the hand they’re dealt.”

A study session for the YCS board of directors is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the YCS District Office, located at 107 1st St. NE.