I was a member of the Stow-Munroe Falls School Board when Russ Jones was hired as superintendent. Early in his employ, we conducted a board retreat. The main focus of this retreat was to review and enhance the Strategic Five-Year Plan. To our surprise, one of Dr. Jones’ first presentations included a film expounding on the merits of the IB Programme (International Baccalaureate). We were puzzled that the newly hired superintendent, with little knowledge of the district and its finances, was proposing a new direction of instruction.

After a brief discussion of the IB Programme, the board members had several questions. First, would this curriculum be available to all students? Dr. Jones replied affirmatively. Second, what would he estimate initial costs to be? Jones replied that start-up costs would be about $20,000. Finally, at what level would this instruction begin? Jones stated that it would be initially offered at the high school level, and if funds became available, it would expand to lower levels.

The board felt that the costs incurred in implementing a new course of study were prohibitive. We also agreed that the district offered many advantages to gifted students (Advanced Placement and Honors courses, the OASIS program, etc.), and even though the superintendent maintained that the curriculum was suited to all students, further examination did not bear that out.

The board members cited these concerns and the matter was dismissed. Further research validated our position. For my remaining tenure on the board, IB was not a topic of discussion.

I was very concerned, therefore, that the IB Programme was being quietly implemented at Indian Trail Elementary, with little if any public discussion and no board vote. I wrote to the Stow Sentry in October 2010 expressing those concerns. Questions regarding the curriculum during board meetings have gone unanswered and controversy has continued to grow.

Contrary to the superintendent’s initial presentation, IB start-up costs are significant. In addition to application fees, teachers must be trained, with the costs of food, transportation, lodging and conferences included. Dr. Jones has publicly stated in a board meeting that these expenses would be covered utilizing ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act) and Title I funds. But, as many other area school districts understood, those funds could be used more prudently to maintain staff levels, improve student achievement and many other supportive measures. According to ARRA guidelines, “These funds should be invested in ways that do not result in unsustainable continuing commitments after the funding expires.” As a former board member, I continue to see no way this program can be sustained and expanded without additional funding from the community.

Unfortunately, the objections raised concerning IB have resulted because there has been no communication with the public. Costs have been understated/hidden and concerns have been ignored.