After Ms. Smola's speech,

we were directed to begin the "Meet the

Teachers" portion of the evening, spending FIVE

minutes in each class, for a grand total of 35 minutes'

discussion of our child's seven academic subjects.

When we questioned Mrs.

Wentzel about the SPLOST portion of the program, she

immediately directed us to Mrs. Brown, stating that the

PTO was responsible for having SPLOST on the agenda. We

approached Mrs. Brown to ask her why there had not been a

balanced presentation of SPLOST. Mrs. Brown said

something about the PTO contacting "the Citizen's

group" to have a speaker come to the meeting for

"a five minute talk on SPLOST" and was given

the names of Janet Smola, Mike Satterfield, and Debbie

Condon, all of whom were at the PTO meeting. Mrs. Brown

said she had "no idea" Ms. Smola was going to

speak. When we asked why no one with an opposing view was

invited, Mrs. Brown stated "anyone could have

responded after Ms. Smola spoke".

To say we were annoyed is

an understatement, having endured the same tactics at

McIntosh High School's "Open House" two weeks

ago. These are the same tactics used by a

"different" board the last time SPLOST came up

for a vote. One would have to be pretty naive to not see

how SPLOST supporters manipulated the evening advertised

as an "Open House" for students' parents. None

of the reminder notes sent home mentioned there would be

a one sided presentation of SPLOST.

It is insulting that we

were held captive and lectured about information that was

readily available in a flyer and at an information desk.

It is disappointing that the PTO could be manipulated and

manipulate parents in such a manner.

BOB and LAUREN CLARK

Peachtree City