Message from the Grass Lake District 36 Superintendent | Administration

In challenging times, the role of public education becomes even more vital. Our schools are not just places where children learn to read, write, and solve equations—they are the foundation of an informed citizenry. The framers of the Constitution recognized that a functioning democracy depends on an educated public capable of thoughtful discourse, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.

Education is power—but only if we avail ourselves of it. Our responsibility as educators, parents, and community members is to encourage curiosity, foster respectful dialogue, and equip our students with the tools to analyze complex issues. It does not matter where you ultimately land on any given issue. What matters is that you take the time to examine all perspectives, assess the validity of claims using verifiable sources, and make an informed decision based on facts and thoughtful consideration.

I have adopted the following four tenets when it comes to managing discussions about thorny issues and hope they may be helpful to you:

1. Be Kind

2. Think the Best

3. Seek to Understand

4. Give Grace

This has helped me in the following ways:

1. Being kind requires you to value the other person. This is fundamental to any effort to communicate with others successfully.

2. As humans, our natural inclination is to think the worst when we disagree with others. This predisposes us to an answer we already have. Thinking the best allows us to have an open mind. It affords us the opportunity to look at the issue from an intellectual perspective and not an emotional one.

3. When I truly seek to understand what someone believes about an issue and why they believe it, I validate their right to have their opinion. I am allowing a safe space for them to share their thoughts. It changes my stance from a defensive position or “proving my point position” to a position of curiosity that leads to discovering new facts and ideas previously unknown to me. It provides me with information critical to understanding the issue and coming to an educated conclusion.

4. Giving grace is accepting the rights of others to have different opinions, thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. Giving grace is essential for a democratic society to flourish. We have the right to our own opinions, and so do they. We certainly don’t want others to tell us we can’t have our opinions! We don’t have to share that opinion, agree with it, or even like it; but we do need to recognize they have a right to their opinion. When all is said and done, you get to keep your opinion and can feel better that you have made an informed and educated decision.

As we navigate these times, let’s remember that our schools serve as places where students can ask questions, explore different viewpoints, and develop the skills to become engaged citizens. I encourage all of us—our students, staff, and families —to continue learning, listening, and growing together.

Thank you for being a partner in this important work.

Sincerely,

William Newby Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Grass Lake District # 36