Final Board Remarks 11-15-06
My last full school board meeting was on
11/15/2006. At every meeting each board member presents
a board member report. My actual words at the meeting
may have been subtly different, but here is the text of
my speech that I brought with me. This was the most
difficult of all my speeches and comments as a board
member.
Tonight is my last board report. I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the past 10 months that I have served.
This is the hardest job I’ve ever had. The demands are many; the issues are daunting; and you are dealing with something so important – our children.
I quickly realized four things you need to be successful in this job.
1. Take the time to listen: Fremont benefits from a diverse population and not just in culture or race, but also in its diversity of opinion and experience. It is critical for board members to listen to the community, the staff, the parents, and the students for the simple reason that the best decisions are made when listening to all sides.
2. Teamwork: I believe this starts with the right people. People with a passion for education, open minds, and NEVER willing to give up. In the last year, the superintendent and board have worked hard to assemble a talented leadership team. But I think the most important team in the district is the Board of Education and superintendent. The way they work together sets the tone for the whole district. From the moment I joined this team they all welcomed me, supported me, and showed me great respect. I could not have been successful with out that. I know they will do no less for board member-elect Lara York.
3. Set goals: I recognized this is in my appointment application where I said, “Providing long-term direction is one of the most important things a school board does, and even in this short appointment it will be a critical component of many decisions made.” Once on the board, a district-wide set of goals became the single thing I wanted to see accomplished in my 10-month term, and we did it! I am truly proud of the goals that this board and staff set this past September. It required an open discussion and an honest assessment of the good and the bad. And was a true team effort. We are already seeing the benefits. In the past few board meetings we have discussed a master facilities plan and achievement in the junior high schools. Tonight we continue that with discussions of program improvement and budget priorities. None of that would be possible without our strategic goals.
4. Never give up: You’re going to face many set backs in this job. The state will add unfunded mandates. Decisions can be controversial. Problems will come up regardless of what you do. But you must not let these things distract you from your goal – educating every student!
These four things are no secret.
[Editors note: Nina Moore added number 5 – a sense of humor. So true!]
Let me close by sharing a few of my favorite experiences as a board member.
And one of my last actions as a board member will be to meet with students. Ms. Trong has graciously allowed me an opportunity to speak at the SURF Board’s December 4th meeting.
This is the end of my second term on the Fremont Board of Education -- first as a student board member in 1992 and now as an appointee. I don’t intend for it to be my last.
Fremont schools are in my blood. I’m not going anywhere and will continue to be an actively involved community member and parent.
It has been a pleasure and an honor serving with this board.
Tonight is my last board report. I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the past 10 months that I have served.
This is the hardest job I’ve ever had. The demands are many; the issues are daunting; and you are dealing with something so important – our children.
I quickly realized four things you need to be successful in this job.
1. Take the time to listen: Fremont benefits from a diverse population and not just in culture or race, but also in its diversity of opinion and experience. It is critical for board members to listen to the community, the staff, the parents, and the students for the simple reason that the best decisions are made when listening to all sides.
2. Teamwork: I believe this starts with the right people. People with a passion for education, open minds, and NEVER willing to give up. In the last year, the superintendent and board have worked hard to assemble a talented leadership team. But I think the most important team in the district is the Board of Education and superintendent. The way they work together sets the tone for the whole district. From the moment I joined this team they all welcomed me, supported me, and showed me great respect. I could not have been successful with out that. I know they will do no less for board member-elect Lara York.
3. Set goals: I recognized this is in my appointment application where I said, “Providing long-term direction is one of the most important things a school board does, and even in this short appointment it will be a critical component of many decisions made.” Once on the board, a district-wide set of goals became the single thing I wanted to see accomplished in my 10-month term, and we did it! I am truly proud of the goals that this board and staff set this past September. It required an open discussion and an honest assessment of the good and the bad. And was a true team effort. We are already seeing the benefits. In the past few board meetings we have discussed a master facilities plan and achievement in the junior high schools. Tonight we continue that with discussions of program improvement and budget priorities. None of that would be possible without our strategic goals.
4. Never give up: You’re going to face many set backs in this job. The state will add unfunded mandates. Decisions can be controversial. Problems will come up regardless of what you do. But you must not let these things distract you from your goal – educating every student!
These four things are no secret.
[Editors note: Nina Moore added number 5 – a sense of humor. So true!]
Let me close by sharing a few of my favorite experiences as a board member.
- Last March I attended a press conference held by State Superintendent Jack O’Connell announcing a new school nutrition initiative. What made it memorable was not so much meeting the state superintendent, but having a pizza lunch with 4, 5, and 6th graders. You learn so much when you look at things from a student’s perspective.
- I also had the pleasure of being invited to speak at our SURF Board’s District Representative Conference – a leadership conference put on by our high school students for our elementary and jr. high school students. While waiting to speak I talked with Hirsh principal Jennifer Duran Casey. I told her I had a hard time figuring out what to say that would reach 1st through 8th graders. She said not to worry. She has always been impressed just how much all our students are capable of. That reminded me that we must never underestimate our students. We have to always ask our students to reach their potential.
- One of the most inspiring events for me was my role in accepting the graduating class of Mission San Jose High School. I was truly humbled to be the one representing every one of our teachers and staff in recognizing the achievement of our students.
And one of my last actions as a board member will be to meet with students. Ms. Trong has graciously allowed me an opportunity to speak at the SURF Board’s December 4th meeting.
This is the end of my second term on the Fremont Board of Education -- first as a student board member in 1992 and now as an appointee. I don’t intend for it to be my last.
Fremont schools are in my blood. I’m not going anywhere and will continue to be an actively involved community member and parent.
It has been a pleasure and an honor serving with this board.