Optomistic Observations of a New Board Member

As a new Wall Township Board of Education member I recently had the opportunity to attend the Wall Intermediate and High School graduations.  What a great experience.  When I heard of the accomplishments and the number of exemplary students we have in our district, I was immediately reminded of the fantastic job that our teachers and administrators do on a daily basis in our schools.  Their work and commitment to the students and district is obvious by the number to academic awards and prestige of the colleges that our students will attend next year.  I am extremely excited to work closely with these dedicated educators again in the Fall. 

Notwithstanding the achievements and accomplishments of our students, administrators, and teachers, it is no secret that turmoil has engulfed our district over the past several months.  Several well-publicized "scandals” and some "underground rumors" have obviously created a divide between the public and the Board of Education.   From my perspective, the key to healing these wounds includes improving communication.

While I have only had to hear negative attacks against the Board for a few weeks, I would say, in short, I believe this Board should be given a break- not a pass- but a break.  It seems that many of the “issues” cited in the blogosphere, publicly, and otherwise, existed before the existence of the board's current composition was in place.  I also believe, based on what I have seen, that many steps have been taken to correct what may have been previously broken and to maintain a steady course.  I have also seen board members, working with professionals, vigorously pursuing safeguards to ensure things remain on track in the future.  While it is not “mission accomplished” it is surely "mission in process" from what I have seen.  

It is obvious to me that a perception exists that the board of education is not completely forthcoming or open at meetings.  To me, this stems not from a specific issue or position, but rather, an historical lack of consistent, clear and specific communication from and between all parties.  A condition that I believe existed prior to the current board taking our respective seats but, nonetheless, continues through today.  For sure, more work must be done to improve communication and I have committed that I will do all I can within the confines of my capacity as a board member.

I have also seen the press and social media report and opine about how the Board, often unsuccessfully, struggles to respond to attacks, innuendo and rumors.  However I rarely, if ever, have seen any report detailing the dedication and commitment of the board, and its individual members.  Well, I will report that I have witnessed board members who are incredibly committed to doing what is best for the district.  In fact, in the short time I have been on the board I have seen a tremendously pro-active board that asks more questions than I could ever think of, spends hour upon hour independently researching issues before the board, and board members that seek advice of our professionals when the answers are not apparent. In my experiences with the individual board members, it is not a lack of desire to publicly discuss the myriad of issues before the district, but a restrictive maze of legal impediments that bind a member.  

For a better understanding of the restrictions placed on BOE members, I encourage everyone interested in the workings of the Wall BOE to review the Wall BOE policies and bylaws and the New Jersey School Board Association’s best practices policies- all of which are contained on their respective web sites.  The amount of information is staggering and the restrictions incredible.

In sum, the purpose of this letter is not to make excuses for the board, as I can only speak for myself (another restriction placed on a board member) or to profess to the parents and taxpayers of our district.  Rather, I want to report my observations to public to develop a better understanding that many positive things are happening in the Wall School District.  I have seen it firsthand.  I also wanted to express the equity of frustration at the difficulty in communication that exists between the public and me as a board member. I hope this letter serves as an outline of my observations thus far and that it demonstrates a commitment to work more closely and always open-mindedly with the public and administrators.   I also express my further commitment to help to do a better job communicating, as best as possible, in light of the restrictions that may exist for me as a board member.   

I look forward to seeing everyone at the next board of education meeting.