This letter to the Editor was originally published in the June 21st edition of Sapulpa Daily Herald. It was sent to Sapulpa Times by a third-party.
I am not a person who normally shares my sentiments and political views publicly. In fact, I have just recently learned how to use Facebook and Twitter over the past month and have used them a total of one time! However, I do feel the necessity to speak up when a person is wrongly depicted as something they are not. While unfettered access to communicate ideas and thoughts is undoubtedly positive; social media platforms can become boggy swamps where unfiltered and unfounded criticism mire without fresh the fresh oxygen of truth and love.
In my capacity as Athletic Director, over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work closely alongside Superintendent Kevin Burr. I, and many others in both Tulsa and Sapulpa, know Mr. Burr as a hardworking, selfless human being, who is an ultimate advocate for the students of Sapulpa Public Schools and African Americans as well. Numerous times I have witnessed him place his reputation on the line for both groups, respectively. Indeed, I have never worked for anyone more concerned or attuned towards Black people.
Unfortunately, being well-liked and being a great leader do not often coincide. Mr. Burr was brought to Sapulpa to improve upon a system that, by many accounts, had room for improvement. From my perspective, he has worked hard to generate change. Our ability to retain first and second year Teachers in the midst of a budget crisis, bond projects, and digital curriculum initiative are the envy of many area schools, whose Administrators often relate how lucky we are to have strong leadership of the BOE and Mr. Burr. We should all realize that strong leadership is rare because pushing for change (even when right) can cost a person dearly.
People become uncomfortable when held accountable. Even when (for the good of students) people and processes are questioned, many become angry. Yet it is common knowledge that change is a part of life. Anyone not willing to at least give change (for the good of students) a chance, should take a hard look in the mirror and question their true intentions.
I respect and honor Mr. Alfred as a friend, mentor, esteemed Educator and fellow African American. However, I would be remiss if I did not call his letter exactly what it was cowardly. Dr. King did not move North and call out white Southern racists; Nelson Mandela did not flee South Africa following his release. Leaders not only blow the whistle, but they STAND and fight for what is right. If Mr. Alfred was privy to insalubrious occurrences, as a true leader, it was incumbent upon him to stand up at the time it occurred. I would have proudly toed the line with my colleague to stand against any injustice relating to Sapulpa Students, Staff or African Americans. Instead, his manifesto relates only to his personal feelings of being called out for his job performance, by the very person whose job it is to do so. Every person who works for Sapulpa Public Schools is here for one reason: to help students succeed. Not once in his letter does Mr. Alfred insinuate that Superintendent Burr sponsored actions which harmed students. Instead, Mr. Alfred’s comments were selfishly relegated to his perceived personal slights from a boss working to improve the District.
The very fact that Mr. Alfred aligns himself with a litany of past Superintendent’s, commonly known to have illicit dealings and failing performances, discredits the very nature of his accusations. Furthermore, his timing is not fair to the Sapulpa district and community who must be in partnership for Sapulpa students to succeed. Mr. Alfred might instead have used his notable and extensive experience to influence the community for good. Rather, he selfishly lodged a grenade of derision and animosity, in a place which he is leaving after 42 years of service, harming countless people who nevertheless love and respect him.
As a lawyer, and son of a civil rights proponent, it is a part of my makeup to stand up for the rights of my people. Just a few months ago, I held meetings with Teachers, Staff, and Administrators from a Tulsa Elementary School to hold them accountable for institutionalized racial undertones taking place within the school. Throughout my tenure at Sapulpa, I have been approached by many African Americans who recount decades of unfair treatment and racial inequities while living in Sapulpa. Undoubtedly, our citizenry must address these issues with a spirit of urgency and togetherness to bring about a better future for Sapulpa children. However, one man should not be crucified for a history of racial injustice. Especially not by tossing about inflammatory words and halftruths without knowing complete facts. Kevin Burr is by no means perfect, no human is. All leaders must make tough decisions, some right, some wrong, some popular, others unpopular. However, he should be evaluated by the merits of his performance and reputation rather than rumors and false pretenses. Too often today, people like Politicians, come to conclusions without regarding facts, and hate simply for hate’s sake. As someone who knows the facts, suffice it to say, that I know Kevin Burr to be not only a supporter of Black people, but additionally, an intense enemy of racism.
Sapulpa is a lovely community. Contrasting viewpoints aside, I have grown quite close with Sapulpa citizens, Teachers and Staff. In fact, it is a place I want to call home permanently as my wife and I are currently looking for land in the area. Sapulpa mixes small town country community feel, with big time resources and education. Our school district is comprised of a well-balanced mix of lifelong Sapulpans, longtime move-ins, and fresh faces. Old ideas can sometimes be the best ideas, yet new methods have their place too. We must all be receptive and tolerant of one another in order for this community to thrive.
Jason Parker,
Sapulpa Public Schools Athletic Director
