I received an interesting phone call this AM.....

[Mikekoz13]

By now you guys all know about my daughter's fall at schoole two weeks ago and her surgery.

Well the day after she fell I met with first the Principal of the school and then later that day the Superintendant of schools.

I told both of them that I was there not to ASK for them to change the playground policies to make it safer, but to TELL them to change their policies.
I even made some suggestions that they could try.

I also told them that I was not the typical parent that was just going to go away once I was done speaking with them. I assured both of them that I would be back over and over again until things changed.

We haven't heard from them since I spoke to them the day after the fall, but this AM I received a call from the Superintendant. He told me that he was very impressed by me the day we first met (talk about kissing butt).
He also asked if he could meet with me at my convenience to talk about changes they have made and are going to make to their playground policies.
So I set up a meeting with him for Friday afternoon.

My old street smarts tell me there is something more to this than he told me. My radar went up when he asked for a face to face meeting because he could have easily told me over the phone what they were going to do to change the playground policies.
I could be wrong about this but my instincts tell me otherwise.

I have very strategically let it be known around town the last two weeks that we are not at all happy that my daughter was hurt on a broken piece of playground equipment.
My wife said that when she took my daughter to school this AM she thought something might be up because the one woman in the office that has ignored her since my daughter's fall was very pleasant.

Should be an interesting meeting on Friday.

[PeripheralxMvmnt]

check windows and building ledges for rifle barrels.



just kidding! but yeah, it sounds a little odd. i wonder what he would have done if you told him on the phone to tell you right then, not later?

[tomgallagher]

He's probably going to introduce you to Luka Brazzi at the sit down...LOL

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Give em hell!

[Paul]

Probably going to make you an offer you can't refuse.   Go in, listen, and be wary.  DON"T sign anything.  Good Luck.

[marty22]

The school lawyers asked him to meet with you.

[BReady]

Sounds like a job offer to me....

How about School Playground Safety Engineer?   

[Tyler]

Yep, this is a "get a bead on Mike" talk.  I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't introduce you to some "counsel" or "representative" during the conversation.

Counsel -

"Mr Koz., we'd like to help your family move past this horrible tragedy and to thank you for helping us correct the situation.  To do this we'd like to extend this offer of gratitude for helping us and to help cover any losses you may have had. [Slides paper with a number across the table] 

Please, take a couple of moments to look over this generous offer.

If you choose to accept this (one time) offer, please just sign here and [pulls envelope out] you can deposit this offer into your bank today.  (You can never discuss this incident with anyone.  You revoke your right to sue us for anything, even if this happens again.  You agree that the equipment was never broken and that your daughter just had the misfortune of falling.)

We are truly sorry for what you and your family have gone through and we do hope this generous offer helps you to see this.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Yep, this is a "get a bead on Mike" talk.  I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't introduce you to some "counsel" or "representative" during the conversation.

Counsel -

"Mr Koz., we'd like to help your family move past this horrible tragedy and to thank you for helping us correct the situation.  To do this we'd like to extend this offer of gratitude for helping us and to help cover any losses you may have had. [Slides paper with a number across the table] 

Please, take a couple of moments to look over this generous offer.

If you choose to accept this (one time) offer, please just sign here and [pulls envelope out] you can deposit this offer into your bank today.  (You can never discuss this incident with anyone.  You revoke your right to sue us for anything, even if this happens again.  You agree that the equipment was never broken and that your daughter just had the misfortune of falling.)

We are truly sorry for what you and your family have gone through and we do hope this generous offer helps you to see this.

That's walking very near the edge of the ethics rules unless they advise that counsel will be present prior to the meeting.

[tomgallagher]

I'm telling you Mike. They are going to tell you that you will sleep with the fishes if you persist. Make sure nobody goes to the loo while you are there. They might have a piece stashed there.

[Tyler]

That's walking very near the edge of the ethics rules unless they advise that counsel will be present prior to the meeting.

Very true!  I was over dramatizing things, but I would be lying if I said I haven't seen that happen before. 

[Mikekoz13]

Well my wife and I met with our new counsel this afternoon. He had quite a lot to say and to offer.
He was a very kind man but I saw him grit his teeth and clench his jaw when I mentioned that four kids have broken their arms on the playground in the last year.

He explained all the legalities and what we shoould and should not do. His advice today: Go to the meeting on Friday with big ears and a small mouth..... and do not accept any offers no matter what.

He too feels something is up.

[wpruitt]

Keep us posted.  They are probably scared $#!+less

[BaldMark]

I have a very odd feeling about this!!!!  Face to face usually means he's going to try and get  you sign something. If so DON'T do it.  Have your lawyer on standby!  If you walk in and there is more then just the superintendent sitting there excuse youself and get on the phone with your lawyer.

[Jer]

I have a very odd feeling about this!!!!  Face to face usually means he's going to try and get  you sign something. If so DON'T do it.  Have your lawyer on standby!  If you walk in and there is more then just the superintendent sitting there excuse yourself and get on the phone with your lawyer.

Funny how I was going to say the exact same thing!  From my experience with liars, which has become quite extensive since working where I do, that the ones working for the school have requested this meeting and likely will have someone there.  It certainly does sound as though there is something odd going on, and it can't be reiterated enough, that if there is anyone but the the superintendent there then you get introductions, find out who they are and why they are there, then call your liar there to be present and witness.

Anyway, best of luck with the meeting and be on your guard.