MARIN GOW NY: OFFICE OF EDUCATION December 14, 2018 Brad Honsberger, President Disle Schoo! District Board of Trustees [380 Nova Aion Way San Rafael, CA 94003 ear President Honsberger and Members ofthe Board, As an elected official charged with serving the students of Marin County forthe past 24 yeas, hold 3 deep respect forthe kinds of challenges faced by school board members who volunteer thee time in public service to their local schoo! district. recognize that you take your roe seriously and strive to ‘make decisions that are inthe best interests ofthe students and fares you sere. Having had the ‘opportunity myslf to make the kinds of decisions tat impact people from a variety of backgrounds and belts, have come to learn that there are times when we mus beak from tradition, from our comfort zone, to acknowledge new perspectives. This is one of those times forthe Disle School Boar, itis time to change the name. Since the birth of our natin, our society hasbeen afflicted by issues of civilrights in a varity of forms. While our culture has come a long way in recognizing that people of diferent races, genders religions, sexuality and creeds are infact, “ust people,” like you and me, there are reminders of our past that are Aisrespectful and do not promote a forward-thinking culture. Across the nation, these kinds of symbole and titles are being changed to acknowledge a more postive, enlightened society, While some may be against the “historic” less that this change brings, many feel empowered bythe promise of amore positive future, In my tenure as the Marin County Superintendent of Schools, have witnessed the dviveness caused bythe Die name. Over the past twenty year, the issue has come tothe forefront at least fur times, rehashing the same concerns and dstactingthe Distr from its core work of serving students. While past efforts to change the name to one that more appropriately represent the students and local ‘community have been set aside, | urge the Board to exercise its duty, as bestowed upon you by the electorate, and take action without incurring the adltional expense ofan election. An election would ‘only serve to prolong the contentious debate that has driven a wedge into this community for to long. Itistime forthe community to move forward "have called Marin County my home for over 40 years. have spent my career in an office that resides within the boundaries of the Dixie School District. My late husband, Larry Lyon, proudly served 3s the BULDING THE FUTURE... ONE STUDENT AT A TIME‘Superintendent ofthe Disi School District unt his death. My children attended Die schools. Understand the attachment toa name, toa history, toa legacy of quality educational programs: But ask the Board to consider ifthe name “Dixie” i what makes tis community speci st what drives the success of our students? ls uch a name predicated on what binds our community and is strong belief that a child's succes hinges on providing a caring, nurturing environment tat supports not only academic succes but als the socal emotional needs of our children? I suggest not. "assure you that changing the name wil not compromise the opportunities that wil help our students succeed in school andi ie. This legacy will continue to flourish. In fact, this fan opportunity to teach ur chldren about the history ofthe Dixie name, the meaning adits cultural significance. This isan ‘opportunity for our stent to participate ina cuturl shift, one they can be proud of Itis also an opportunity for our community to practice eivildscaurse. As with any change, there willbe people for and against it As Board, you have an opportunity, 2 duty to Set the tone fora postive dialogue. encourage you to rise tothe occasion by modeling respectful cialogue, istening thoughtfully and leading with integrity, We must remember, the children ae watching. Sincerely, Pray Te wee Mary lore Bone Marin county Soperntendent of School