Now confronted with another stabbing assault, our Cd'A School District administrators and trustees suddenly decide we need a "Task Force" to solve our disciplinary problems. The need for such is questionable as you will soon see. What we are seeing is the acceleration of behavior problems that have been festering for years, only to have received lip service and token action to correct.

Let's look at some actual occurrences. First, a situation of classroom "horseplay" bordering on a fight resulting in some bruises and damaged furniture. The class was being tended by a substitute when the regular teacher walked in, observed what was going on, retrieved some items and left without any attempt to assist in stopping the melee.

Or the incidents of smut magazines being circulated in the classroom, confiscated, student sent to the office only to have the matters ignored. Or the kid with a model catapult shooting objects around the classroom at other students. Item confiscated, turned in with student in tow only to have item returned and student flipping off the sub.

Or the many times students ignore instructors in favor of iPods, CD units and cell phones. Or seeing female teachers leaving classrooms in tears because of the verbal abuse heaped upon them.

I know these occurrences to be true because I was that substitute. I finally had enough and quit.

At the time these matters occurred and were brought to the attention of the school administrators, I was "politely" advised "they would handle it." In reality, they were literally ignored. Had matters such as these been dealt with in a prompt and responsible manner, it would have sent a message of zero tolerance for such behavior and we would not be in this mess today.

Had our teachers been supported with proper support from administrators, they would have had the tools and authority to run their classrooms free of such behavior. Current events seem to confirm that even today, they still lack such support.

An example of this sickening conduct occurred recently when a parent complained to the board about a situation involving her child at school. Hazel Bauman's response was "if that happened, we will have to look into it."The inference was the parent was lying. Why the put down? Why didn't they inquire further at the meeting for all to hear?

It seems every time a serious issue arises (usually as a result of ignoring the initial problem), Hazel and her board buddies want a task force. Why? What better way to blunt the public's anger and direct the blame elsewhere? What better way to hide the incompetence and apathy of all those in charge?

This may come as a huge surprise to Hazel and the board but task forces DO NOT solve problems. Administrators and board trustees do. However, that is not the case here. These disciplinary issues have been ongoing for years, possibly mostly ignored to preserve the ADA (Average Daily Attendance) funds from the state. In other words, sacrificing student and teacher safety in pursuit of the dollar.

Sadly, we have reached a level of intolerable behavior which has led to serious injuries. This situation can only be attributed to the obvious inability of the administrators and Board of Trustees to address and solve problems coupled with what appears to be a chronic disregard of this problem, all to the detriment of our students and teachers.

Parents will have an opportunity to begin correcting these problems by changing the face of the board when voting on May 17.

We must look at those candidates who will truly speak for the kids, parents, teachers and taxpayers.

Look at the two new faces running for the board in zones 2 and 3. Look at their credentials and independent positions separating them from the "insiders" who have failed miserably in the performance of their responsibilities.

Your kids and our teachers deserve schools that are safe. New and independent voices on the board will surely bring opportunities to be heard and solutions for such problems.

Your child's security and future is in your hands. Your vote on May 17 could make it a day of "deliverance" for your kids.

Be sure to call the Kootenai County Election Office to find out your zone and voting location and GO VOTE!

Jim Ballew is a Coeur d'Alene resident.