CLEVELAND – At a board of education meeting earlier this week some White County citizens accused the school system of teaching Critical Race Theory or working to implement such teaching.
At Thursday night’s White County Board of Education meeting, Board Chair Missy Jarrard vehemently denied those accusations. Noting that she was only speaking for herself, not other board members or the superintendent, Jarrard told a large crowd, “since Tuesday’s meeting this is all I have thought about.”
Jarrard was emphatic in her comments.
“The statement I would like to make is this group, this teacher discussion group, did not have impact whatsoever on the instruction or curriculum used in White County School System. White County School System does not instruct students on critical race theory,” the BOE chair said.
While she noted that some may not believe her, Jarrard pointed out she has two children in White County schools. “I wouldn’t have them here if I didn’t believe in the school system.” She added that every student that comes into the school buildings will be loved and will feel safe and they will be taught factual knowledge from the Georgia state standards.
An educator herself, Jarrard urged White County parents to get the facts and do their own investigation. She called on all citizens to “ask your students, ask your children, your grandchildren what did you learn today? What did you talk about? Get involved.” In addition, the BOE Chair urged parents to meet with teachers and ask to see the curriculum if they have any doubts about what’s being taught. “Ask to see the Georgia State Standards – ask to see those – ask to see the lesson plans. You can do that. Get involved in your schools, ask those questions and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.”
The only other board member to speak about this issue Thursday night was Charlie Thomas who said, “It’s really simple. As Missy said, Critical Race Theory is not taught in White County nor will it be taught in White County.”
