Having served on Northeastern Local Board of Education for the past 16 years, I have been involved in many issues effecting our schools. As a result, I have been a part of the resolutions of many of these issues. As sensible voters, we often wonder why the board resolved an issue in the manner it was resolved. What should have appeared to be a reasonable, common sense solution turned into a more complex one. This is due to many different parameters surrounding an issue of which the public may be unaware. A solution to an issue that may not make common sense, may be the result of a contractual or legislative edict, or it may simply be an issue of money. Money issues especially will bring the most comments and questions, yet it is the facts and effects surrounding the issue of which the public may not be totally aware. Each board member has a tremendous responsibility to their public to be "fiscally responsible" for the district's finances and ethically responsible for the education of the children.
There are many sources our community uses to ask a question, make comments, statements and occasionally a derogatory viewpoint. Often, the board can respond at a board meeting, community meeting, or individually with a constituent. One source, The Springfield News-Sun, allows comments and questions to be posted to many of the articles and editorials the paper publishes. In addition, the newspaper allows a popular section, "Speak Up" in which people can post a comment without providing their name. This presents a problem for those on the receiving end, because we are unable to respond to an uninformed or ill-informed person. Among the many "hot topics", it seems educational articles receive the most comments, questions and often derogatory statements. Many of the questions and comments are very good and do inform the public, however, there are far too many that serve only to ridicule, embarrass or otherwise question the integrity and character of the school or of an individual.
This blog is about communicating factual information to the public. Whether it is to defend a position, get the facts to people and simply telling the truth, my intent is to inform. It is in no way intended to substitute the district's responsibility to inform the public by other means. It is simply another vehicle to be used to get the facts to the public, outline an issue and simply to explain the truth.
Over the course of the the next - who knows how long - I will be responding to the comments, questions, statements from readers of the paper, letters and emails I receive, comments from community meetings and any "posts" to this blog. The views I express are my views and not necessarily those of my fellow board members. You are encouraged to ask them their specific view on an issue. Also, It must be understood that I cannot and will not respond to specific personnel issues or issues referring to any specific student. Should you feel it is necessary for you to know the specifics of a personnel or student issue, I encourage you to discuss the issue with the specific individual.
In conclusion, I will not be speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, only for me. The five members of our board are individuals who may not agree on any one issue, however, we share a common belief that our focused role is to do what is best for the children in our district. "What is best for the children in our district" is a phrase you will hear from me and every individual on the board, administration, faculty and staff. It is more than a phrase, it is a commitment to bring the very best educational opportunities to the children of the Northeastern Local School District.
As an elected public official, elected by the residents of the Northeastern Local School District, I have a responsibility to you, my constituents, to answer your questions, listen to your comments and suggestions, and be a fiscal steward to your money. You as residents of our school district have an obligation to question your elected officials as to their position on a particular issue. By fulfilling my responsibility and by each of you fulfilling your obligation, our district can continue to be strong and provide the best educational obligations to children.
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