Author: Chris Briggs-Hale

Public education makes a promise: that every child will learn to read, write, do math and grow into a capable citizen. At its core, that’s what equity really means – every student getting what they need to learn and succeed. But across the country, that promise is slipping. Classroom norms have changed. Teachers are dealing […]

When I was a school principal, I used to watch amazing feats of stamina in the school parking lot: bleary-eyed adults opening doors for little ones (while they and whatever else was in the car poured onto the asphalt). Some parents had the “please take them” look – inevitable after a tough morning getting someone’s […]

If schools had mind-control powers, kids would at least: Be ready at the bus stop instead of sprinting out with one shoe and a Pop-Tart. Remember their homework. Do the dishes without arguing that soaking counts as cleaning. Feed the dog before he starts contemplating a better life elsewhere. Take out the trash. Teachers can’t […]

Public education is a paradox – promising creativity but enforcing conformity, valuing deep learning but underfunding it. Schools are expected to inspire independent thinkers, yet rigid policies and standardized tests push uniformity. Now, with severe budget cuts, the real challenge isn’t just preserving quality education – it’s ensuring curiosity and innovation don’t become casualties of […]

Readers of the Bulletin, public schools need you – now more than ever. Strong schools don’t just educate children; they build communities. They are where families, organizations and neighbors come together with a shared purpose: ensuring every child has the chance to thrive. Public education is at its best when it serves as a true […]

Local journalism is indispensable. Through my years as a school principal in Manitou Springs and other communities, and now as a leadership coach, I’ve experienced firsthand its transformative power. It lays the groundwork for constructive community conversations. The carefully written word, distributed locally, sparks vital engagement. Regardless of political leanings, local journalism unites us in […]

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