Opening & Closing statements for School Board Candidates' forum.

Opening Statement:

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.”

While I don’t believe Pericles ever ran for the Athens Board of Education, I do believe the sentiment is still appropriate.

I grew up in Lodi, and attended school in this district from kindergarten through graduation. After being away for quite a number of years, I returned to the area and became a substitute teacher I spent 2 years as an assistant forensics coach, and a year running the Community Performing Arts Center, all the time listening to, and learning from the faculty and the students, before.. “politics took an interest in me.”

After standing back for the two years following that, and listening to what people in this community--and the surrounding area--have to say about Lodi schools, I felt that I had to step forward and get into the thick of things to give representation to those concerns. Lodi is a strong community which is fortunate to have the quality, dedicated teachers and staff that it does. Standing behind them, the school board has the responsibility to represent the priorities and concerns of this community, the faculty and staff, and above all, the students. The challenge is to do this fairly and without letting personal bias unduly influence the process. This can best be done by using two simple skills: common sense, and the ability to listen.

I am here today, as much to listen as to speak: to hear the questions as much as to give answers.

As you listen to what I have to say here today, take notes. It’s those notes that will help those whom you elect to do the job you’re paying them to.

Closing Statement:

On April first, we will have the rare opportunity to change the direction and attitude of the Lodi Board of Education in one day.

While other communities in the area have had to fight for new schools--or even renovations to existing schools-- often losing referendum after referendum, Lodi looked forward and built not one, but two new schools.

With the changes in the schools, changes in the community, and changes in administration, staff, and student body, there needs also to be a change in the oversight provided by the school board.

The new facilities belong as much to the community as to the students. This school system is no longer just a place for classes, it is a modern version of the old town square. The gymnasium, swimming pool, distance learning facilities, athletic fields, classrooms and theatre belong to the entire community. It’s where we gather. It’s where we play, where we are entertained, where we learn, and where we take an interest in politics... and politics takes an interest in us.

The direction of the school board must reflect that. It is up to you, as residents and voters, to choose the direction we will take. Whether you do it through your vote on April first, or by bending the ear of those who do get elected-- or hopefully by both of these means--it is you who holds the power.

The school board is not a governing body, it does not hold a sovereign power over you. It is a body of elected representatives designed to speak to your needs and your priorities. It can’t do that without your input.

I would like to thank [this organization], and [the moderator], for allowing me this opportunity to speak with you, and I hope to have more chances to hear from you in the future.

Thank you.