Opinion: BASD school board members raise eyebrows with textbook discussion
In May the Bellefonte school board approved a textbook for use in the middle school intended to help raise test scores relative to other school districts in the state. What was most interesting were the comments made by the two board members who voted against the proposal.
The two are Timothy Kessling, a 2004 Bellefonte High graduate, and Patrick Buck, who moved to Bellefonte in 2019. What they said should raise eyebrows — and not in a good way.
The textbook in question contains a variety of articles intended to engage students’ thinking skills. Kessling and Buck considered the book slanted and political. Buck complained that the book indoctrinated students. Or, as he put it: “Students will not digest this material without the seeds of indoctrination being sowed.”
And what topics bothered him?
He listed some, including racial inequality, fake news, “the invalid methods of COVID, where it came from,” vegetarianism, animal cruelty, gun control, vaccines and appropriate medicine. On the issue of fake news, he cited ABC, which he called a “supposed reputable” source for information, but “which we all know they’ve botched the last three years of information.”
That was news to me and I’m a news junkie, although I admit I don’t watch ABC.
Buck went on to say: “The creativity of this publisher and the authors to integrate this content in a way to subversively indoctrinate the reader is extremely alarming.”
He also said: “Part of the reason many of us choose to live in Bellefonte is because we are different and we still stay true to small-town values.” Why Buck, a relative newcomer, decides our values is beyond me.
Kessling was more general in his comments. He did condemn the book because “it also creates divide and forces kids in their most malleable years to look at the world through different lenses.” Actually, that’s how one learns to think critically. If all we read is what we agree with, how do we challenge others? How did society get to 2024 without free and open discussion?
I’m fond of citing my historical hero, Martin Luther, who challenged the Catholic Church and spurred the Protestant Reformation. His 95 theses so famously nailed to the door of a church were also printed and distributed throughout Europe so others could read his thinking. And not everyone agreed.
Buck even took a shot at State College. “If you want top academics with a side of indoctrination, which is what this book is delivering, go up the road,” he said. “State College will give that to you.”
Are there any parents in the Bellefonte school district who do not want top academics? Having raised two daughters in the State College schools, I am very happy with the education they got. They challenged me often and continue today.
When Buck ran for school board, he did not say that his goal was to end indoctrination. In fact, according to a news article, “Patrick also believes the district should focus on the development of critical thinking, as it is an essential skill to help our students think for themselves, challenge ideas, and push boundaries.”
Oh, the irony. The contrast between words and deeds is stark.
R Thomas Berner is a taxpayer in the Bellefonte school district.
