OXFORD – Regardless of how parents in the area feel about the new Common Core Curriculum standards, they’re here to stay. In light of Monday’s nationwide “Keep Your Child Home From School” protest, which had a mixed participation throughout Chenango County schools, some area districts held forums to answer questions and field concerns from parents and residents.

Sherburne-Earlville and Oxford Academy Central (OACSD) ranked among the highest in the county in participation of parent and student protest, which involved keeping children home for the day or alternatively, wearing red clothing to school. Nearly twice the usual absences were reported in the two districts, although school administrators could not identify if absences were directly related to the protest.

About 80 concerned parents of the OACSD students gathered at the Oxford Academy Middle School auditorium to present their case to administrators and teachers on Monday.

Staff took the opportunity to ease speculations and assure parents that the students’ livelihood and academic success is their main objective.

“We as parents and educators want to help these kids. We want them to become independent and successful,” said OACSD Superintendent Dr. David Richards.

A total 45 states have adopted common core standards and New York was the second to implement them. Parents and teachers alike agreed that New York State may have acted too hastily.

“A lot of complaints about the Common Core amongst parents and the community at large – and you see it in the paper – was with the communication and the implementation, the speed at which it happened. We implemented it way too fast,” Richards said.