Support Our Schools is Throwing One Helluva Forum
Mark Saturday, April 26 on your phone
When Lisa Schurr throws any kind of event, this commitment-phobe is first to RSVP. I mean, who else throws a party (actually, on Saturday, it will be a forum) that includes childcare, coffee and pastries?
The brainchild of the upcoming gathering - Stop The Attack On Our Public Schools - is Schurr. She’s the co-founder of Support Our Schools (SOS) in Sarasota (Florida). For people like me, her impressive resume, which includes working in international law throughout Europe, would scare people away from attending a meeting, forum or any of those words that spell out: I’d rather be at the beach.
Honestly, I’d rather be with Schurr and the nice folks in attendance this Saturday.
This attorney is intelligent, yet funny and compassionate. No one has to walk on eggshells around Schurr. She is the first to laugh at herself and admits to not loving “public speaking”.
The advocate formed Support Our Schools based on this stance:
Every child deserves a quality education that prepares them for a bright future. Public schools must serve the community’s special needs children and gifted students.
Our teachers deserve a supportive work environment and a fair living wage. By standing together and advocating for quality public education, we can create a brighter future for our children and our communities. Through our collective passion and community engagement, we defend, strengthen, and revitalize public education for the benefit of all.
I think it’s more personal for her, though. Schurr has a special needs sister, who was not afforded the same educational opportunities as she had growing up. In these craziest of times when protections are being taken away from marginalized students, this bulldog is not only fighting back, but knows how to fight back.
With the Trump administration following through on their promise to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Schurr realized that a large majority of people in Sarasota don’t want to see public schools in their hometown falter. She brainstormed and on April 26th, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 3975 Fruitville Road, there will be a free forum focusing on solutions and real hope.
The get-together is broken up into two segments: One begins at 9:30am and runs through about 12:30’ish. Come at 9 if you want to kibbitz, have a coffee and get your free childcare. (I’ll be there at 9:15.)
No one sits alone at lunch, if you want to stay. You can bring your own or you can pre-purchase one for $15.00. (Knowing Schurr, it will be as good as Michael’s on East.)
Part II runs from 1:30 - 3:00pm and will be very immersive. These organizers are a two-way street. The voice and experience of others will assist in preventing impairment to the A-rated school district.
The keynote speaker is best-selling author, podcaster and public school advocate Jennifer Berkshire. There will be a panel discussion and a Q & A to follow. I believe she’s going to learn just as much from the audience as we do from her perspective.
Berkshire is an entertaining and captivating speaker. She leaves her listeners always wanting more. Listening to her podcast, I think: Is it already over?
Schurr leans in on the knowledge that the citizens of Florida - and especially Sarasotans - are strong, principled and effective fighters. They want their voices heard and she welcomes and encourages that space.
Attending along with Schurr, will be the acting chair of the board and co-founder of SOS, Carol Lerner. She is the sharp-as-a-tack Grandmotherly figure, who is as warm as a muffin coming out of the oven. When School Board member Tom Edwards said during a meeting: “Some of you know more about what is going on than me.”, I knew he was talking about Lerner. She is everyone’s go-to person, as she patiently shares what is happening now and what could happen up the pike. She is a 30-plus year educator, who also makes a great lasagna
Wendy Rosen is new to SOS, but not new to activism. The public school advocate always shows up - whether it’s to an LGBTQ+ event or a 50501 rally. She will speak her well-informed views with conviction, but listen (really listen) to opposing views. I’ve never seen her angry (except at injustice) or impatient. Rosen has the sincerest smile and laugh and really loves people. If nothing else, you’ll meet and make a friend with “Wendy” at the forum.
Why Should You Attend?
My initial introduction into what’s happening in public schools began with a homophobic rant I was made aware of by a citizen at a school board meeting. I didn’t want these hateful, ignorant people representing my hometown. Who would move to Sarasota if that was what people from out of the state were seeing?
We all want our new neighbors to be educated people who will make a positive difference. I need educated kids who will return home to Sarasota in the distant future to make this community better for what will be an old(er) me.
After attending my first school board meeting, I learned more about first-hand accounts from kids who were fighting not only for themselves, but their peers and teachers. It was a community I wanted to not only be a part of but fight for.
That’s why I’m attending this forum and I hope you will, too. I’m going to be part of the pendulum swinging back to a bi-partisan support of a good and solid public education. I have absolute faith that Sarasota will and can lead the nation.
See you other commitment-phobes there!
For any Sarasota educators or staff members who are thinking about attending, this is the opportunity to have your voice heard through advocates who will anonymously message your concerns to the school board and superintendent. They will fight for you. Register here.
This event is easy-to-find with lots of parking. The setting is beautiful and centrally located between McIntosh and Beneva Roads. It’s close to Cardinal Mooney H.S. There are clean restrooms (which is always a concern for me).
I would be there if I could. Paying close attention, however.
Leaders like Carol, Lisa and Wendy need troups. That's where we come in. It's getting more and more difficult for me to get around, especially in the morning :-) But I plan to be there.