Like many other dedicated volunteers, I’ve been heavily involved for several years in many things going on in Indian Prairie School District 204. Last month one of the school board members resigned, leaving a vacancy to be filled by an appointment to last through the end of his term next April.
A couple people encouraged me to apply for the vacancy. I declined. They gave more and more convincing reasoning why I should. I spent a lot of time thinking, praying, and talking about this with my immediate family for several days before letting anyone else know I would even consider it. I spoke with others whose opinions and experience I respect. I gathered more information about what exactly I’d be committing to if I decided to go ahead with this and then I decided to give it my all and put in my application. I’m not all that fond of the political process and the opportunity to be appointed to the position for several months prior to the first election seemed an appealing way to get my feet wet. Applying for this open board seat was an extremely difficult decision to reach. After I sent in my application I still slept well at night, so I knew it was the right decision for me.
Of twenty-four applicants, I was one of six chosen to be interviewed, and ultimately was not the one selected to fill the board vacancy. If selected, I would have enthusiastically embraced my new role, and with the support of my family I would have given this job the time, energy and attention necessary. Since I was not selected, I can breathe a sigh of relief and continue on with my crazy busy life as is. I applaud the school board for making an excellent choice for our community and I wish Cathy Piehl the best in her new position. I was never in it for myself, I have no agenda or political aspirations. I only want what’s best for our students, staff, and families.
A few months ago I wrote about the reasons I had no plans to run for School Board. The column gave what I consider to be the major drawbacks to the position and was intended to leave the door open should I change my mind. It was written in part to show respect to those who have taken on this immense responsibility and to let others who would consider running have some idea of what the job entails. Though the article was published with the title of “Why you won't see me run for office,” this isn’t what I meant. One of the things I’ve learned in life is that plans and circumstances change – to never say never.
One reason I gave was that I didn’t feel that I had enough time available to do a good job. I realized that I can find the time for what is important to me, and I have discovered that working for the good of this district is my passion. As such, I owe it to myself to pursue opportunities to give back to the district community. I have been doing this already in other ways as the Brooks IPPC rep, as a member of Waubonsie’s Orchestra Parents Association, and in numerous other capacities. Over the years I have informed friends, neighbors, and co-workers about what is going on in the district and have tried to clear up misinformation whenever possible.
I‘ve attended most of the school board meetings over the past year so giving up every other Monday evening would not have been new. I contacted a few current board members to ask about the time required in addition to the meetings and figured out what in my current schedule I could give up if I were selected to serve.
Another reason I wasn’t interested in the job is the harsh and nearly constant criticism faced by school board members and candidates. I know that no matter what, some people will disagree with me. I am an honest and straight-forward person and I stand by my views, which are backed by experience and facts. If people want to twist around my words and actions, that is not my problem. As long as I know that I am doing the best I can to do the right thing, I can roll with the punches.
The online criticism began shortly after my name appeared in the press as a candidate, giving me a small idea of what is to come should I choose to run in the future. I am confused by the perception a few have that I agree with the current board and administration on everything since I’ve published columns to the contrary. I am an educated person and quite capable of making my own decisions.
Speaking in public is outside of my comfort zone but I was willing to step up and do the right thing for the greater good. I thought I wouldn’t be interested in the nitty-gritty details of the day-to-day and year-to-year school district operations, but now that I’ve attended several meetings in which normal district business was conducted without all the hoopla of the some of the bigger controversies, I see that these topics are in fact interesting and I’d like to learn more. I also understand that the board is helped through these decisions by paid experts in the administration.
I hope that rather than being critical of me (and others) for deciding to put in an application, people might understand that I have grown and learned, that I and 23 others made the decision to, if selected, put the good of the community ahead of the good of our own selves and families and put our own reputations on the line. I offer my thanks and appreciation to all of you who are giving back to the community in countless ways.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment