There was a palpable sense of tension as the ARD meeting began.  Not just tension, but hostility. Then it all came out. The father pointed at the director of special education sitting across the table and said “We’re not going on with this meeting as long as you’ve got that bitch sitting over there.”

For me, this was a “study your shoes” moment.  But the principal was quick witted in his response.  “Sir,” he said, “she may be a bitch. But she’s our bitch.  We want her here.”

The meeting proceeded.  Leadership.

DAWG BONE:  THE SCHOOL CAN STAFF THE ARD MEETING WITH PEOPLE OF ITS OWN CHOOSING.

Tomorrow: still fighting the War on Poverty?