NEW BOARD PRESIDENT RAMOS CAN'T LEAVE THE HOOD MENTALITY

Before we get to the congratulatory part of this story, let's talk about the vote last night regarding Avila and the contract.  Interesting how Mr. Ramos abstained from voting, not wanting to take a stand for what is right.  But we don't forget that he received money from Avila's father during the campaign, so we do understand what influenced his decision.

Ok now back to what Mr. Ramos calls his significant accomplishment, voted by his endearing colleagues as Board President.

Mr. Ramos,

We want to offer congratulations for being chosen by your peers and yet it's bittersweet because the people selecting you are not necessarily qualified to speak on what the position truly means.  We hear you saying that a "generational mexican american" from the North Side is ready to lead FWISD.  We don't understand what generational mexican american means because in this city it's just another word for the help.  In your neck of the woods we are sure it means a lot and so we come to our topic "THE HOOD."  The slogan was a good campaign gimmick to attempt to connect with the neighborhood that you had left and suddenly returned to get elected.  We won't rehash the past because it's stated fact.  But what we want you to understand is that it's time to leave the Hood Mentality.  If we are correct, the hood is based on a style of living that at times is deficient of meeting the basic needs of its residents, a dumbing down of what its people should be aspiring to.  Why can't we discuss moving beyond a hood education, a hood standard of living that is basically substandard.

You in no way carry the latino mantle nor speak for the latino community that is controlled by the same people that supported you and continue to control YOU.  Let's be honest you have been silent on the issues that matter to us as teachers, parents and students.  You have stood quiet while people's lives have been ruined and at a time when our workplace is a disaster. You have presided over a failed bond issue that you so desperately wanted and sold your soul for it and still watch the administration continue to push FWISD down.   So if this is what you call coming back to the HOOD then we don't want any part of it because it means that our environment will remain the same or worse.

Why can't you speak about moving beyond the hood into opportunities that create a better future.  If you are truly about helping everyone then your words and actions must show it.  Let's get away from the mexican stereotype and stop pretending to be someone you are not.  Your inner circle may have the respect and admiration for you sir but believe me outside of that is a whole different world.

So as you parade around claiming to lead the FWISD, correct the damage that has been done to us and then we can call your tenure as president LEGITIMATE.