Mr. Pickens let both, Mr. Duncan and Dr. Moore, sit down in their spots in the first row. Then he holding up a new piece of paper, he called some names out. Kids and adults started to come down from the bleachers. One by one they told the board and the people present, their experiences with Jane Golladay.
"I was overweight a few years ago and attended Watsonville High for all four years of high school. I was depressed, and angry at my body." A fit young man told his story. "Junior year was a real low point, and I remember thinking to myself, why even continue living like this? Or living at all? Luckily a friend caught me trying to slit my wrists, and told me I should see the counselor. I did. And I've regretted it since. This woman flat out called me obese and that I would die soon anyways. I was scared. Young and dumb. I stopped eating completely. I developed an eating disorder and lost a lot of weight. Too much, too fast, that I became sick. In fact, I'm still in recovery." He continued on about how her words influenced him, but not in a positive manner.
"I was being bullied my freshman year." A young girl spoke next, with her mother by her side. "It's been two years. When I brought up the bullying to the school counselor, she told me I was being paranoid about nothing. The following week someone stuck gum in my hair, tripped me in the halls, and put water in the cracks of my locker to ruin my school books. Not only did she listen to my complaints, she accused me of being over-dramatic. It took months for me to speak out, and tell my mom what was happening. She had to take the matter to the principal, Dr. Bodon. He dealt with my bullies, and I'm thankful for that. But I was disappointed to see Mrs. Golladay still working at the school. What most adults don't know, is that there's a saying among those in need of therapy at school: downplay golladay. She will downplay your problems and issues, and even make you feel like everything is your fault. It's not a good feeling for any struggling teen in high school."
And it went on. At first, I was embarrassed being up in front of everyone, especially since this meeting was mostly about me. But as each experience was shared, I realized I wasn't alone. They were all victims of an awful counselor. However, they didn't have a Dr. Moore to refute the counselors words and tell them that they would be okay. They didn't have a Mrs. Atkins who would pull every connection she has to get an emergency meeting. They didn't have the Atkins financial freedom to hire a lawyer to take on the school and the district. At this moment, I felt extremely humbled. Even with a rough start at life, I was given a second chance with a family who were beyond perfect. At least...in my eyes.
After all the speakers had a chance to share their story, Mr. Pickens stood up and faced the board members. "I'm not done just yet. I wanted to bring up another subject or two that Golladay had shared with Jake. She accused Zeke Atkins, the eldest of the Atkins boys, of blackmailing his own coach to get Jake on the team. And if that wasn't enough, she suggested the Mary and Wayne may have even paid for him to be on the team."
"I've heard about the Atkins boys." Rob Graham spoke up for the first time. "All four are on the varsity team. Highly unusual for brothers to make the same team, when they're all in different grade levels. And then their new foster son also makes the team? Highly improbable."
Mr. Pickens eyes narrowed at the man. "Words like this prove that you don't even know what you're talking about." He glanced back at Mr. Atkins. "Wayne, why don't you share the stats for this season for your boys. Starting with Jake."
Mr. Atkins stood up, turning his body sideways so everyone could hear him clearly. "Jake has a 1.000 batting average. That means he has yet to get out this season over the course of six game, four of which he started. He has no fielding errors. My youngest son Noah, isn't as good at the plate, but has a spectacular glove. His perfect fielding rivals the seniors on the team. Dave and Kyle are pitchers. Dave has given up only one hit over five innings against one of the top schools in the county, San Marino. Kyle has a perfect game, the first in decades. Zeke is the undisputed top player of the county; if he shouldn't be on varsity then no one else should be either."
Mr. Pickens turned back to Rob. "Please. Tell me which boy doesn't belong on this team." The man stayed silent, so Mr. Pickens continued. "Not only were these accusations of her hurtful to a young boy, but they were unfounded. My question to you five, is what will happen next?"
Gerald, in the center, stood up. "We are thankful for the enlightenment we've gotten from the meeting. The next step will be to have a private hearing with Jane Golladay and her union representative."
The gym got loud, filled with voices of disappointment and demands for immediate justice.
Surprisingly, it was Mr. Pickens who held up his hands, gesturing for silence. The crowd simmered down and all attention was on him once more. He faced the five board members.
"That's doable. She's has the right for due process. But, I want to remind the five of you, board members of our district, that you work for us, the community and the families of the students. As stated in the National School Boards Association handbook, you are to provide support and guidance for parents and guardians of students. Not to protect school employees."
Shouts of agreement echoed.
Mr. Pickens waited for them to settled again, before adding on. "When a school and its teachers and employees fail to meet the students' and parents' needs, the issue moves to you five on the school board. Not only are you required to be accessible for meetings like this, you are to be held accountable for performance and actions of the schools in your district. We ask to not be let down like the previous kids under Golladay's 'care'." Mr. Pickens gave them a nod and returned to our table.
The crowd behind us exploded with applause. Gerald had to wait more than a few minutes before the masses calmed down. He cleared his throat and spoke as loud as he could. "This will be the conclusion of today's meeting. If any of you are interested in attending Jane Golladay's hearing, we'll make it a public event to ensure fairness and equality." He was quick to change after Mr. Pickens speech. "It will be tomorrow morning at 9am, in the Board Room of the District office. Space is limited. As it's held during school hours, we please ask that high schoolers remain in class."