NFISD is not affiliated with NEET group

Dear Editor,
The article titled “Former U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige Speaks at North Forest” which appeared in the Vol. 16. No. 12, December 2007 edition and which dealt with the formation of a community-based group dedicated to helping NFISD meet the challenges currently facing the District raised some points that need clarification. While it is noted that the District welcomes individuals and groups who want to be of assistance to NFISD the following information should also be noted:
The North East Education First (NEEF) organization has no official ties to NFISD, nor has it been given any authorization to represent itself as an NFISD-affiliated group.

As the Vice-President of the NFISD, I did not receive a timely invitation to attend, the most recent meeting of the NEEF, however, several members of NEEF made reference to the fact that no Board members were in attendance, but did not mention that Board members have been present at several of the previous meetings. Additionally, it should be noted that the absence of the Board members was not a concerted action in response to the lack of an invitation, but that many were in attendance at other school-related functions and prior engagements within and outside of the District.
The aforementioned article also featured a photo of Dr. Rod Paige and other attendees. Some of the other attendees in the photo were concerned that the Board had not attended. However, after speaking with me, they realized that the promotions and sinage (sic) presented by NEEF was misleading. The Board is honored to see that Dr. Paige was visiting our community and that he voiced concern about our schools. We regret, however, that the organization which he addressed, inaccurately advertised its program, as an NFISD-sponsored function rather than as a community group-based event utilizing the District’s facility by request.
The Board is concerned that, if wee are to move forward as collaborators for the welfare of the community, it is important that each entity accurately defines its mission and role and clearly communicates these to all concerned.
Respectfully,
Allen Provost,
Vice-President NFISD Board of Trustees