CMS board member Stephanie Sneed responds to recent criticism

I realize few have asked what work has been done, or who has served, and in this season, people don't seem to care. And as a woman of faith, I certainly know that praise can happen at the beginning of the week, and condemnation can happen at the end of the week. I've been subject to being called B-word, the F-ing B-word, the N-word, wish you were dead, by both men and women, all wrapped up into threats against my safety. with no regard to me being a CMS parent, wife, and a human being. I have spent 13 years in this community, not only speaking up for them, but putting my words to actions. And even if I had not, no one, including me, should have to earn dignity. Harshness does not bring us close to the truth or help our children, and more importantly, it serves no one. In fact, it's despicable. I'm wondering how the leaders, elected officials, nonprofits, and people serving vulnerable families, especially those serving our students, have responded in similar situations for those that they serve. When a student or parent is accused, do you listen? Do you extend grace? Do you wait on the facts? Or are you whispering or yelling condemnation? People should never become political pawns for personal agenda, personality, self-preservation, or for sport and entertainment. However, I'm fully aware that outrage is selective and processes are not always fair. Nevertheless, my work for the community cannot be erased. I stand by my decisions and actions. Every single one has always been centered on students, families, and educators. Neither I nor this institution is perfect. But the board has been in the process of examining how our processes can be improved. And it should expand. Self-reflection of all of us must be initiated. And the official external examinations of those should proceed fairly as it should for anyone. The thing that is most saddening above all is that I have not seen this same sense of urgency and veracity for our students and educators. Please bring that energy to our school buildings, our classrooms, because their futures are relying on it. The kids are not all right. I will remain to keep showing up for our children, and I ask the community to do the same.