Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” and I believe this quote to be true.
Education is a powerful weapon that I have used to help equip students for nearly two decades by serving on the Hazelwood School District Board of Education, participating on district subcommittees, and taking on leadership roles on the PTA when my daughters were in school. My fight for equitable education for all students regardless of race, culture, religion, disabilities or social economic status is one that I will continue.
Serving on a school board or in any elected office can make you the source of public scrutiny; at the same time, it can also be the source of great pride. In fact, I am proud of the many accomplishments and advancements made by the district during my tenure. Together, we passed bond issues to build one new elementary school and four middle schools, to renovate older facilities, and to build state-of-the-art library media centers and STEM labs.
During my tenure, to ensure school safety, we installed and updated security features in our schools, and we were the first district to provide active-intruder trainer for all students and staff. To prepare our students for the 21st century and for careers in STEM, we implemented one-to-one technology for students in 3rd-12th grade. In addition, we also developed a more rigorous curriculum with direct pathways to college and careers.
There are many things that should cause this community to pause and take pride in our student accomplishments and those of our district. I think about when we came together in 2013 to assist hundreds of families with recovery after a tornado struck the City of Hazelwood. I think about how we always come together during a crisis to help others.
However, it saddens me to think about all the many reasons that we can find to come together, yet somehow, our district is still divided separated by rumors, untruths, and negative perceptions. One of the biggest issues that we face as a district is rumors, instead of individuals taking time to verify the facts.
We should remember the facts about the hard work and efforts of community members and administrators who worked together to balance the district’s budget. We should remember the innovative work by those who successfully opened the Hazelwood Opportunity Center and redesigned Hazelwood East Middle School.
As I enter back into the private sector, I will continue to promote more parental involvement in our schools. I also hope to see the Hazelwood NOW educational initiatives that we set in motion come to fruition.
I would like to thank our students, parents, teachers, bus drivers, custodians, nurses, social workers, counselors, food nutrition staff, communications team, security team, administrators, board directors, and the community for allowing me to serve you on our school board for the last 15 years. I am going to miss you all.
It is my hope at the end of the day, whatever work that I have done, let my work speak for me.
Desiree Whitlock, who served as a director of the Hazelwood School District Board of Education for 15 years and most recently as board president, was not reelected in the April 3 election. The mother of two graduates of Hazelwood East High School, she has been employed by the BJC HealthCare for the past 33 years in the field of substance abuse, mental health, and health education.
