In less than 48 hours, President Obama is scheduled to talk to students across the country. His office hopes if people know what he'll say before then, it will quiet down the controversy that's been building for days.
Some critics fear the speech is nothing more than the president playing politics. The White House says it will release the text of the speech tomorrow to put schools and parents at ease.
But some Iowa schools have decided not to show the speech anyway. Last week, Norwalk's Superintendent announced students will not watch the president's address until administrators can see it first. In Des Moines, the district is leaving the decision up to individual schools' principals. We haven't heard of any refusing to air the speech.
On Tuesday, the day of the President's speech, Des Moines voters will decide between nine school board candidates. Just two days before that election, in the midst of a national uproar over the President's speech, School Board candidates weren't afraid to express their opinion in favor of Obama's classroom chat.
"If the teachers think they have time for it something valuable to add to the curriculum, why not let them watch it," says Thalia Sutton. Sutton is a recent University of Iowa graduate who wants to bring a new fresh voice to the Board.
"This shouldn't be turned into a political issue when it's basically a pep talk. It's basically telling students stay motivated and stay in school if they want a decent future," says Zachary Toillion. Toillion just graduated from Lincoln High School. He says his youth will bring the perspective of the student to the School Board.
"I see that as encouragement. It's a plus. It's encouraging kids to stay in school and utilize the skills and abilities. They can do that by being there in the classroom," says Veola Perry. Perry is a retired teacher who taught in the Des Moines School District for over 30 years. She says she wants to reach out to students through the arts.
"It doesn't matter if it's the President or the head of the Senate. Anytime a positive role model as an adult talks to students about the importance of school I think we should listen to him," says Connie Boesen. Boesen is seeking a third tem on the School Board to continue her work on expanding preschool opportunities.
"I don't have a problem with it. If it's my kids and I agree with the President or I disagree with the president, he or she is still the President," says Patty Link. Link is seeking another term on the Board to put more teachers in the classroom.
But one School Board candidate says there should be some sort of policy on the books
"I haven't talked to any parents or others about that issue so I'm not ready to weigh in on my own belief, but I would ask what does our policy say and that's the level of decision making our school board members make," says Margaret Buckton. Buckton is associate executive director of public policy for the Iowa Association of School Boards. She believes her experience in analyzing school budgets will help the district in the event they have to cut budgets. , Terri Caldwell-Johnson, Felipe Gallardo, and Timothy Halstead could not be reached for a comment. The School Board election is Tuesday.
Some critics fear the speech is nothing more than the president playing politics. The White House says it will release the text of the speech tomorrow to put schools and parents at ease.
But some Iowa schools have decided not to show the speech anyway. Last week, Norwalk's Superintendent announced students will not watch the president's address until administrators can see it first. In Des Moines, the district is leaving the decision up to individual schools' principals. We haven't heard of any refusing to air the speech.
On Tuesday, the day of the President's speech, Des Moines voters will decide between nine school board candidates. Just two days before that election, in the midst of a national uproar over the President's speech, School Board candidates weren't afraid to express their opinion in favor of Obama's classroom chat.
"If the teachers think they have time for it something valuable to add to the curriculum, why not let them watch it," says Thalia Sutton. Sutton is a recent University of Iowa graduate who wants to bring a new fresh voice to the Board.
"This shouldn't be turned into a political issue when it's basically a pep talk. It's basically telling students stay motivated and stay in school if they want a decent future," says Zachary Toillion. Toillion just graduated from Lincoln High School. He says his youth will bring the perspective of the student to the School Board.
"I see that as encouragement. It's a plus. It's encouraging kids to stay in school and utilize the skills and abilities. They can do that by being there in the classroom," says Veola Perry. Perry is a retired teacher who taught in the Des Moines School District for over 30 years. She says she wants to reach out to students through the arts.
"It doesn't matter if it's the President or the head of the Senate. Anytime a positive role model as an adult talks to students about the importance of school I think we should listen to him," says Connie Boesen. Boesen is seeking a third tem on the School Board to continue her work on expanding preschool opportunities.
"I don't have a problem with it. If it's my kids and I agree with the President or I disagree with the president, he or she is still the President," says Patty Link. Link is seeking another term on the Board to put more teachers in the classroom.
But one School Board candidate says there should be some sort of policy on the books
"I haven't talked to any parents or others about that issue so I'm not ready to weigh in on my own belief, but I would ask what does our policy say and that's the level of decision making our school board members make," says Margaret Buckton. Buckton is associate executive director of public policy for the Iowa Association of School Boards. She believes her experience in analyzing school budgets will help the district in the event they have to cut budgets. , Terri Caldwell-Johnson, Felipe Gallardo, and Timothy Halstead could not be reached for a comment. The School Board election is Tuesday.
