With ‘a community and a nation divided,? Lake Orion Community Schools? Superintendent Ken Gutman decided the choice over whether students should watch President Barack Obama’s address Sept. 8 ‘or not’wasn’t his to make. Gutman announced the district’s decision in an email to parents.
‘Ultimately we left it in the hands of parents to determine whether or not their kids see the speech,? he said. ‘For me, it was very difficult because we know that no matter what we decided, at least half of the people would not be happy.?
He stated the district’s reasons for not airing the speech included a full first-day schedule, concerned middle and elementary school parents who didn’t have a chance to preview it and the district’s general rule of not broadcasting any live television.
‘The address will be reviewed by central office administration and a decision will be made regarding showing the address to students,? said the superintendent’s email. ‘If it is decided that it will be shown to students, a letter will be sent to schools by our Educational Services Department to send home for parental information regarding the address and parent permission.??
Gutman also noted, ‘It’s a decision I know we will continue to reflect on.?