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Fields put politics ahead of boy's school project

Fields put politics ahead of boy's school project

Date published: 8/20/2003

My son, a new graduate of Brooke Point High School, had a government class project--to sit on a simulated County Board of Supervisors and then consider various proposals for developing a tract of land. The "Board of Supervisors" then voted on the proposals.

Many teachers at Brooke Point have projects like this to give students a deeper understanding of a class topic. Unfortunately, what my son learned is that personal interests may outweigh a commitment to the educational experience of our children, at least to some.

My son represented the George Washington District, and he e-mailed Supervisor Pete Fields from that district for help. As my son explained, "It is my job to ask questions and vote on one of these proposals after they are presented by the students.I would very much appreciate your help."

Surprisingly, Mr. Fields responded with "May I ask who your teacher is?" My son replied, "Mr. Tom Coen is my teacher," and Mr. Fields subsequently responded:

"As you may know, Mr. Coen is the Republican Party candidate for supervisor from the George Washington District opposing my re-election. While the project in which you are involved is one which could yield a great deal of insight into the nature of local government, Mr. Coen's direct involvement in the electoral process makes it highly inappropriately [sic] for me to respond to your questions. I am sorry if this causes you any inconvenience."

Mr. Coen did not ask my son to write to Mr. Fields, and my son was not aware that Mr. Coen was a political candidate. My son scrambled to gather limited information from The Free Lance-Star archives and completed the project, but lost out on much of its learning value.

This experience has left me doubting the leadership of our county and their commitment to Stafford students, especially when the needs of residents may conflict with personal interests. Mr. Fields claims to support educational opportunities in the county, but his actions would say otherwise.

Stephen Rose

Stafford

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Date published: 8/20/2003