I went to the Fort Worth Star-telegram to read Mr. McCullough's apology, however it was at that time, I was made aware, that the prompting of his apology came not from the burden he created on the students to actually VIEW the address, but of the backlash he was receiving from citizens regarding his decision to authorize a half-day's pass to 5th graders to go the Dallas Cowboy's Stadium to hear a George W. Bush lecture. This added insult to injury.

Based on new this information, and since he acted alone in this decision according to the district, he did an enormous disservice to our students in his sole decision to allow a 30 minute pass for students to leave the campus to VIEW the address OFF CAMPUS provided they bring a signed permission slip with them. This was very disturbing to me first and foremost to place the burden on those who wished to view it, instead of placing the burden on those whose parents were in opposition and did not wish their children to view it. There is something very amiss with that in and of itself fundamentally speaking. Mr. McCullough did not convene with the Board of Trustees or the Principles. He placed himself in a very precarious position in that his actions could be misconstrued as personal political bias on his part, which in that case, compromises the integrity of his position as superintendent. Without the accountability afforded in a group decision, it is possible that he did not separate his own personal feelings politically from his position, which, if that is the case, brings up ethical concerns. Of course, discovery of Mr. McCullough's intent must be the next step from those who have to power to make a decision regarding his remaining as Superintendent. I hope that the governing body that has the authorization to do so, takes the appropriate steps to move forward transparently in that discovery and upon deliberation, will make a decision, and communicate that decision to the community. I believe that this action, will quell the hearts of people like me who entrust their children's education to this district. I believe that will begin the process of healing for those that have been hurt by his choices. As I had stated in previously, McCullough's decision: created a barrier by asking children to leave the campus to view it, instead of asking the children (whose parents did not want to view it) to leave. allowed outraged parents to get away with something at the expense of all of the children. allowed the children to miss out on the address and words of inspiration by the President of the United States . lost the opportunity for students to critically discuss with their peers their opinions of what they see in the media. lost the opportunity for students to be heard. allowed these children to witness a powerful message firsthand- that behaving badly, creating temper tantrums, and bullying will be rewarded by getting your way. Brought negative attention to this district, and further spurred more media backlash and political division from emotionally charged parents further poisoning our young minds with intolerance and hate. It is my hope that by re-stating these costs and re-emphasizing my concerns that Mr. McCullough will be held accountable by the standards of excellence that this district envisions of itself and do the right thing for the best interest of the students, the faculty, as well as the community. Our future depends on these children. If we minimize this, we are hurting our children. If the Arlington district truly wants to build healthy, productive, mindful, responsible, law-abiding citizens that value personal responsibility and above all, have high regard for our leaders from parents, teachers, local governing bodies, all the way up to the President, we must set the bar at the top. We must demand and uphold the superintendent to be mindful of his position for the children that he is to be looking out for and hold him accountable to the decisions that he makes. Especially those decisions that he acts upon alone. These are fundamental principles that must not waiver. These children are watching our every move, thinking for themselves and forming opinions of what they see. We must be mindful of that. They will act accordingly. I would like this district to uphold what is best for the children first and foremost, and will act upon what is right for them. I would like to see this district send a clear message to the kids and the community- that this situation will be addressed appropriately. I would like this district to serve as a model to our children, faculty, and community that all choices, good or bad, have consequences. I would like this district to find a way to resolve this issue swiftly and carefully so that this our children can get back to the business of learning. I would like this district to find a creative way to make this situation, an opportunity to them to learn. Let's give these children the credit that they deserve, and show them respect by validating them through open involvement and clear communication. It is what we do in adversity, that our character shines through. To sweep this under the rug, with a pat on the hand is not enough, and that too, sends a clear message to the students, parents, faculty, community, and the nation. Because of the national attention that we have received as a district, our response will show everyone what we are truly made of. We must be mindful of that as well, for they will act accordingly.