Kansas City Strip
Probe this: On June 19, Judge Dean Whipple ordered an investigation of the school board and district that might, perhaps, finally unearth just what the hell is wrong with them. Investigators will report to federal monitor Charles McClain, who is the focus of evil in the world, if Elma Warrick knows evil. McClain has angered Warrick and three other board radicals by questioning why Superintendent Bernard Taylor got his job. The tussle irks Michael Ashcraft, leader of a parents’ group, who told the board last week, “We would like to humbly suggest that the back-and-forth with Mr. McClain is a diversion, and it should stop.” Warrick retorted: “We think it is appropriate for Dr. Taylor to be able to do his work unfettered by those who would impede him. It’s an onerous task this man has.
“There are a lot of people who are trying very desperately to get on the bandwagon and show their support for the schools and we welcome them,” Warrick continued in a tone as welcoming as an igloo. She finished with her usual indignant refrain: “I, for one, am a board member who is committed to seeking excellence for the children.”
Warrick used that line again during the meeting after a summer school administrator bluntly stated, “We encourage as many children as possible to sign up for summer school because that’s the way the district makes money.” Not so. It’s done “for the children,” Warrick said.
Taylor seemed annoyed about McClain’s investigation. “I cannot work under those conditions,” he thundered. He also issued a challenge: “To anybody who has questions about my ability to do this job, ask me.” He cleared up our doubts when he blurted, “It’s about the children!”
Amid all the ranting, Duane Kelly seemed an island of calm. “On Thursday is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year,” he reported to the board. “And again, we’re tied to that sort of thing. I know the cost would be astronomical, but I would like to be at Lake Victoria in southern Africa, where there will be a total eclipse of the sun. During a total eclipse, if you don’t know what’s happening, it seems like the end of the world. So think about it: First day of summer, longest day of the year, solar eclipse.”
Let’s check the price of a one-way ticket.
