What gets people motivated to get involved in the fiscal health of the schools that educate their kids?
These days, this is a question which I ponder quite regularly .
New Jersey has tilted the balance of funds to public education from the state coffers to the local community taxpayers, putting schools in fiscal binds and stirring up resentment in the public that gets directed at one of the only budgets that people get to vote on - the school budget. Is it any wonder that people, stirred up by economic situations beyond their control, exert their control by voting down many local school budgets?
But mostly it's just a small portion of the population who take the time and energy to actually exert that right of casting a ballot. Less than 20% of our community came out to vote in last year's school budget election and our populations tops 50,000 people.
Now since I can't believe that situation is unique to our township, I'm forced to wonder what the obstacles are that prevent people, parents specifically, from taking an interest and active participation in determining whether a school budget is passed or not, considering that their children spend 13 years, if one counts kindergarten, within the halls of an establishment whose main focus is shaping the education, the critical analysis, the mathematical abilities and the reading comprehension those children receive.
Because if I knew what those obstacles were I could find a way to encourage and urge those parents to get more involved, to participate in the discussion and offer their insight, and learn the real facts. Because knowing those facts would overcome misconceptions and politically motivated rhetoric. Pushing information out is as easy as pressing send on an email, posting it on a website or sending an automated phone message. Engaging community with that message, asking them to take in that information and act on it, one way or the other, is the hurdle and given all the efforts put in this year, I'm not sure how else to prompt further action.
It's no secret that people are quick to speak up when something bothers them, or when they feel an action doesn't line up with their agenda, because then the participation gets loud and angry. That's a fine thing, but it's decidedly one sided and usually over a specific topic and once that has been addressed and the heat has subsided, the usual complacency sets in and those folks cast theirs eyes elsewhere, forgetting, or ignoring that there is still day to day business happening that impacts decisions and would benefit from involved community.
As NJ cuts public school aid and ties local school boards hands, the state
turns a blind eye to the increasing costs of private specialty schools needed for special education students, obliquely imply that local districts are spending too much in this area, and do nothing to curtail the year over year increases those private schools burden the home districts with as they endeavor to seek out the best education for that student population. Why does the NJ DOE not look to restrict tuition increases in that sector since it is still education dollars for our students? Why does the state do nothing to limit the increase health insurance costs impose on a school district annually? The average yearly increase school districts are faced with in one of the larger budgetary expenditures hovers in the 15% - 20% range. It seems that the state offices are perfectly okay that tax dollars go to a bloated insurance executive bonus instead of an early intervention reading program, adding an elective to the curriculum, or an advanced placement language course.
It takes the participation of the larger population to decide what is in their best interests, and in the interest of the schools educating their kids, yet that participation is limited to a small segment of involved parents and community minded individuals. And that's a shame as every person in the community, be they people without children currently enrolled or individuals without children, benefit from educating the next generation of innovators, civil servants, scientists, doctors, or businessperson.
Showing posts with label BOE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BOE. Show all posts
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, October 23, 2009
hugging the curve
You nice people that come here and read my nonsense might remember I was elected to the local Board of Education this past April. (a fact that still amazes & humbles me every time I do something Board of Educationy. Like read an agenda.) Which I don't write much about because Holy Monkeyballs! the rules! the guidelines! ethics policies! sunshine laws! and you can't be seen outside looking at other board members on the 3rd Tuesday of the month during a full moon or one might be accused of colluding or conducting illegal board business in a public setting.
You get the idea.
Plus, and what is probably more a gagger, some folks in town might read this blog, and that means anything I write here can, and probably would, come back to take big, meaty bites out of my ass. Not that my ass can't afford some chunks taken out of it, but that is a completely different issue. Once that involves exercise and sweat, two words I dislike on a parallel with liverwurst or prison.
It's an interesting process, this being a Board Member, and not for the faint of heart. The Learning Curve? Is not so much a curve as a gargantuan mountain peak. There is still so much to absorb, six months in. So far, I've been learning, absorbing (the brain is soggy), asking questions I know drive people batty, reading, getting a feel for the people involved, the school administrators, the central office folks, the other board members. Not too mention the community folks that attend the meetings. For me this is necessary. These folks, each and everyone, have everything to do with any results, good or bad, the board as a whole exhibits.
Understanding the educational system, from state guidance to local implementation, requires a huge amount of reading and data gathering - I LOVE geeky data models & charts & analysis, Oh MY! they make me tingle, seriously. I'm a geek at heart. Making informed decisions is just as important to me as, one hopes, the other board members who have been at this for a while.
I also have no desire to grandstand or make my presence on the board about me. Because it is not. Okay, maybe it is, just a teensy bit, say this much [ blogger won't let me keep this space empty ].
I wanted to do something positive, give something good of myself. Feel productive.
There are some big projects coming up that are going to test my skills, my patience, my knowledge. Budget preparation, referendum research, balancing priorities and desires, etc.
There will be decisions I make, positions I take, that will not be popular or understood by some. There will be questions I ask, outside of the public forum, and answers to those questions will direct my actions. The public meetings that are held are a brief piece of the whole, so many things are analyzed and debated in committee meetings, executive sessions, that I find it redundant and wasteful to reiterate questions asked and answered earlier. Should I ask these questions again, just so the public can hear them?
Look, me and the microphone? We have a contentious relationship. It stares at me from the table, taunting me to awkwardly shove my mouth toward it and word vomit over the damn thing. I can hear it some meetings, sibilantly whispering "say something. ssssaaaaay something. you know you ssshould. quesssstion themmmm. sssay it, precioussss". It is very distracting, the bastard.
But if I have my answer already, is it necessary to bring it out before the public, if it does not impact the discussion? I don't know the answer to this yet. Somehow that feels like making a point just so people will notice what I'm doing. That is not who I am.
I only want to be noticed here, thank you very much. Because the Internet is so loving and attentive.
I think I had a point when I started this but it devolved into something waaaay less organized or time worthy.
How are your brains today, Internet friends?
You get the idea.
Plus, and what is probably more a gagger, some folks in town might read this blog, and that means anything I write here can, and probably would, come back to take big, meaty bites out of my ass. Not that my ass can't afford some chunks taken out of it, but that is a completely different issue. Once that involves exercise and sweat, two words I dislike on a parallel with liverwurst or prison.
It's an interesting process, this being a Board Member, and not for the faint of heart. The Learning Curve? Is not so much a curve as a gargantuan mountain peak. There is still so much to absorb, six months in. So far, I've been learning, absorbing (the brain is soggy), asking questions I know drive people batty, reading, getting a feel for the people involved, the school administrators, the central office folks, the other board members. Not too mention the community folks that attend the meetings. For me this is necessary. These folks, each and everyone, have everything to do with any results, good or bad, the board as a whole exhibits.
Understanding the educational system, from state guidance to local implementation, requires a huge amount of reading and data gathering - I LOVE geeky data models & charts & analysis, Oh MY! they make me tingle, seriously. I'm a geek at heart. Making informed decisions is just as important to me as, one hopes, the other board members who have been at this for a while.
I also have no desire to grandstand or make my presence on the board about me. Because it is not. Okay, maybe it is, just a teensy bit, say this much [ blogger won't let me keep this space empty ].
I wanted to do something positive, give something good of myself. Feel productive.
There are some big projects coming up that are going to test my skills, my patience, my knowledge. Budget preparation, referendum research, balancing priorities and desires, etc.
There will be decisions I make, positions I take, that will not be popular or understood by some. There will be questions I ask, outside of the public forum, and answers to those questions will direct my actions. The public meetings that are held are a brief piece of the whole, so many things are analyzed and debated in committee meetings, executive sessions, that I find it redundant and wasteful to reiterate questions asked and answered earlier. Should I ask these questions again, just so the public can hear them?
Look, me and the microphone? We have a contentious relationship. It stares at me from the table, taunting me to awkwardly shove my mouth toward it and word vomit over the damn thing. I can hear it some meetings, sibilantly whispering "say something. ssssaaaaay something. you know you ssshould. quesssstion themmmm. sssay it, precioussss". It is very distracting, the bastard.
But if I have my answer already, is it necessary to bring it out before the public, if it does not impact the discussion? I don't know the answer to this yet. Somehow that feels like making a point just so people will notice what I'm doing. That is not who I am.
I only want to be noticed here, thank you very much. Because the Internet is so loving and attentive.
I think I had a point when I started this but it devolved into something waaaay less organized or time worthy.
How are your brains today, Internet friends?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
the other side of the table
Last Tuesday was my first official Board Of Education meeting. Despite my plans to arrive early, it was just three minutes before go time before I dashed in the door. Traffic didn't want to co-operate and every car in front of me was on a sight-seeing tour apparently. Not the way I wanted to start but when life hands you....never mind.
Everyone else was seated at the long official table already. Sigh. Making an entrance was not my goal as I usually prefer to slide in unnoticed at most gatherings. I quickly found my seat and after getting settled, the weird reality dawned that I was no longer in the audience, but was on display, so to speak. Huh. That particular fact eluded me up until I looked up & out and most everyone was watching me. I fiddled with my paper work, looked down at the agenda, looked around at my fellow Board Members, then I bit the bullet and gazed back at everyone in the audience. They took the time to come to this meeting, they deserved my attention and eye contact. It was not nearly as nerve wracking as I anticipated. My late arrival pushed away any time I had to contemplate, or fret about, being observed by the public as opposed to being an observer.
The next step was for the newly elected board members to be officially sworn into office and then it was onto the business of the evening.
The public session was really very cool. Several awards were handed out to students, which I always enjoy. Kids need recognition for their efforts, especially when they go above and beyond. When their names are called and they approach to receive their awards, the expressions range from embarrassment to being on display, satisfaction in that recognition and pride in their efforts. These are good things to see, people. One boy, young man is a better term, came up to the microphone and asked about certain spending and voiced his opinion over the issue. Good for him, that he had the awareness of the issue and the courage to stand up and speak his mind. It's very rare for this to happen. More kids his age should get involved, ask questions and speak up. The adults at the table would learn a lot more if they did.
Everyone else was seated at the long official table already. Sigh. Making an entrance was not my goal as I usually prefer to slide in unnoticed at most gatherings. I quickly found my seat and after getting settled, the weird reality dawned that I was no longer in the audience, but was on display, so to speak. Huh. That particular fact eluded me up until I looked up & out and most everyone was watching me. I fiddled with my paper work, looked down at the agenda, looked around at my fellow Board Members, then I bit the bullet and gazed back at everyone in the audience. They took the time to come to this meeting, they deserved my attention and eye contact. It was not nearly as nerve wracking as I anticipated. My late arrival pushed away any time I had to contemplate, or fret about, being observed by the public as opposed to being an observer.
The next step was for the newly elected board members to be officially sworn into office and then it was onto the business of the evening.
The public session was really very cool. Several awards were handed out to students, which I always enjoy. Kids need recognition for their efforts, especially when they go above and beyond. When their names are called and they approach to receive their awards, the expressions range from embarrassment to being on display, satisfaction in that recognition and pride in their efforts. These are good things to see, people. One boy, young man is a better term, came up to the microphone and asked about certain spending and voiced his opinion over the issue. Good for him, that he had the awareness of the issue and the courage to stand up and speak his mind. It's very rare for this to happen. More kids his age should get involved, ask questions and speak up. The adults at the table would learn a lot more if they did.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
the results
The results that came in last night were, and I'll use someone else's words, bittersweet. I won a seat on the local board of election. My running mates did not, a circumstance which I find completely unfair, baffling & irritating. These men are smart and worked their asses off. And they really should have taken the spots ahead of me. Some weird cosmic joke is at play here. Fate is such a bitch.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled, and perplexed, at having the opportunity to do this thing. But I was supposed to be doing it with these specific other two alongside me so I don't screw it up. I know my capabilities, and I have plenty to offer here, but I also know when I'm better off with smart people around me working on the same goals. Especially on important stuff.
When the lightening and thunderstorm erupted overhead as the results started to really trickle in, I should have known there was weirdness afoot. I mean really, me? ME? I didn't even want to know the results until all the numbers were counted. I figured sure, I'll get a number of votes, we worked really hard to reach people and get more voters out to the polls, but again I was certain that I would be edged out by two other people and one incumbent for the three open seats. I keep coming back to, how weird is this? I still think the violent thunderstorm must have freaked the counting machines and it burped. If they did a recount, surely something will change?
In the absence of a recount, what I will do is move ahead, learn everything possible and do the best I can. I owe it to the folks that campaigned with me, for me and pressed the X next to my name. Okay, That? That was cool, I must admit. Entering the voting booth, the curtain swishing closed behind me and there it was. My name in the #1 ballot position (incidentally, statistics say that positioning gave me a 10-13% jump in votes and as a completely random drawing position, explains everything!). Never did I expect to see my name on any type of ballot. You know, past life Hippie Dead Head nerd here.
The day after has brought a whole new meaning to reach out and touch someone as my phone has been ringing non-stop. This is good, lots of well wishers and congratulations, and bad, as there might very well be a phone overload at some point soon and I will be hard pressed not to yell "Leave Me The Hell Alone You Soul Suckers" when it rings one time too many.
Clearly being an elected official has not had an influence on how I blog.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled, and perplexed, at having the opportunity to do this thing. But I was supposed to be doing it with these specific other two alongside me so I don't screw it up. I know my capabilities, and I have plenty to offer here, but I also know when I'm better off with smart people around me working on the same goals. Especially on important stuff.
When the lightening and thunderstorm erupted overhead as the results started to really trickle in, I should have known there was weirdness afoot. I mean really, me? ME? I didn't even want to know the results until all the numbers were counted. I figured sure, I'll get a number of votes, we worked really hard to reach people and get more voters out to the polls, but again I was certain that I would be edged out by two other people and one incumbent for the three open seats. I keep coming back to, how weird is this? I still think the violent thunderstorm must have freaked the counting machines and it burped. If they did a recount, surely something will change?
In the absence of a recount, what I will do is move ahead, learn everything possible and do the best I can. I owe it to the folks that campaigned with me, for me and pressed the X next to my name. Okay, That? That was cool, I must admit. Entering the voting booth, the curtain swishing closed behind me and there it was. My name in the #1 ballot position (incidentally, statistics say that positioning gave me a 10-13% jump in votes and as a completely random drawing position, explains everything!). Never did I expect to see my name on any type of ballot. You know, past life Hippie Dead Head nerd here.
The day after has brought a whole new meaning to reach out and touch someone as my phone has been ringing non-stop. This is good, lots of well wishers and congratulations, and bad, as there might very well be a phone overload at some point soon and I will be hard pressed not to yell "Leave Me The Hell Alone You Soul Suckers" when it rings one time too many.
Clearly being an elected official has not had an influence on how I blog.
Monday, April 20, 2009
tomorrow
Tomorrow is voting day for the local Board of Education of which I am a candidate.
It really can't come soon enough.
Really. I'm tired. And I'm pretty sure others worked harder than me on this, to whom my Thanks goes out wholeheartedly. I don't know where they got the energy for the amount of time they put into getting our fliers and signs and the message out into the community. I appreciate every second each person put into helping me and my running mates.
Jumping monkeyballs, this campaigning is time consuming soul-sucking work.
For the most part, I'm a loner. I need time to myself. I like to talk to people for short bursts of time and then, I want my book, my tea and a quiet corner on the sofa. (notice this is all about me, me and me. 'cause I'm feeling a little selfish today.)
I've enjoyed the brainstorming around tables on how to make things better in our school district. I've reveled in the debates and arguments and good natured grilling as we've figured out how to navigate getting our message across and generate votes. We don't always agree, but we find a way to compromise and get the goal met. Just what I imagine it should be on a functioning productive School Board.
What I haven't enjoyed is the meanness of people who sneer because we oppose their position. I don't like people twisting our words to fit their agenda. I don't like the negative aspect of pitting people against people. It's an ugly thing. Maybe that means I don't have what it takes to succeed in a political career, to which I can only say THANK THE FUCKING HEAVENS FOR THAT! Because there are mean nasty people out there just waiting for a chance to rip another one to shreds. I have been appalled at the political positioning that takes place around educational policy in the schools and how power is sought. All for what? Really? We're trying to educate our kids and do what's best with the funds available to our district. Why is this political? Why do people feel so threatened by differing views and idea's?
I can't say I've been the target of so much negative contention, I think because the other candidates don't see me as true competition, but I've seen it leveled at the smart and kind gentlemen I've been lucky to meet and travel with along this endeavor. They definitely don't deserve some of the mudslinging that's been tossed at them. Local School Board elections are an ugly business, my friends. I think it might even be more mean-spirited than national politics. I guess to some, having your name in the local paper is worth trading your soul.
Hopefully, we win the spots. That would be the best vindication of what has been said, written and mis-quoted about our positions as they relate to the school board.
Whatever happens tomorrow, I've won a tremendous amount already.
I've met some wonderful, smart, funny & interesting people I hope I will continue to know.
I've met and talked with people from my town I might never have had a conversation with and found an incredible level of diversity around me in terms of thoughts, idea's and cultures. And this has made me a better person. I have seen the kindness of stranger's in their offers of support and I've seen the bitterness of people who feel completely disenfranchised. I've seen how smiling at someone and just saying Hello can bring a smile to their face.
I've had fabulous conversations with my husband and children on why being part of our community is rewarding and a responsibility. I've been lucky to receive their love, support and respect when I've had to be away from home so much. I've been able to combat my trepidation of public speaking and found a comfort level with walking up to stranger and offering my hand in greeting.
I've learned so much about the governance of our schools, about educational policy, about how the school board structure works and I've spent hours reviewing budgets. This educates me and enriches my life and adds to my business tools. The only down side to the necessary campaigning is the time away from my husband and kids. But when they tell me they're proud of what I'm doing, it makes my heart warm.
All in all, no matter the outcome tomorrow, I've won more than I ever thought possible when I started on this path.
It really can't come soon enough.
Really. I'm tired. And I'm pretty sure others worked harder than me on this, to whom my Thanks goes out wholeheartedly. I don't know where they got the energy for the amount of time they put into getting our fliers and signs and the message out into the community. I appreciate every second each person put into helping me and my running mates.
Jumping monkeyballs, this campaigning is time consuming soul-sucking work.
For the most part, I'm a loner. I need time to myself. I like to talk to people for short bursts of time and then, I want my book, my tea and a quiet corner on the sofa. (notice this is all about me, me and me. 'cause I'm feeling a little selfish today.)
I've enjoyed the brainstorming around tables on how to make things better in our school district. I've reveled in the debates and arguments and good natured grilling as we've figured out how to navigate getting our message across and generate votes. We don't always agree, but we find a way to compromise and get the goal met. Just what I imagine it should be on a functioning productive School Board.
What I haven't enjoyed is the meanness of people who sneer because we oppose their position. I don't like people twisting our words to fit their agenda. I don't like the negative aspect of pitting people against people. It's an ugly thing. Maybe that means I don't have what it takes to succeed in a political career, to which I can only say THANK THE FUCKING HEAVENS FOR THAT! Because there are mean nasty people out there just waiting for a chance to rip another one to shreds. I have been appalled at the political positioning that takes place around educational policy in the schools and how power is sought. All for what? Really? We're trying to educate our kids and do what's best with the funds available to our district. Why is this political? Why do people feel so threatened by differing views and idea's?
I can't say I've been the target of so much negative contention, I think because the other candidates don't see me as true competition, but I've seen it leveled at the smart and kind gentlemen I've been lucky to meet and travel with along this endeavor. They definitely don't deserve some of the mudslinging that's been tossed at them. Local School Board elections are an ugly business, my friends. I think it might even be more mean-spirited than national politics. I guess to some, having your name in the local paper is worth trading your soul.
Hopefully, we win the spots. That would be the best vindication of what has been said, written and mis-quoted about our positions as they relate to the school board.
Whatever happens tomorrow, I've won a tremendous amount already.
I've met some wonderful, smart, funny & interesting people I hope I will continue to know.
I've met and talked with people from my town I might never have had a conversation with and found an incredible level of diversity around me in terms of thoughts, idea's and cultures. And this has made me a better person. I have seen the kindness of stranger's in their offers of support and I've seen the bitterness of people who feel completely disenfranchised. I've seen how smiling at someone and just saying Hello can bring a smile to their face.
I've had fabulous conversations with my husband and children on why being part of our community is rewarding and a responsibility. I've been lucky to receive their love, support and respect when I've had to be away from home so much. I've been able to combat my trepidation of public speaking and found a comfort level with walking up to stranger and offering my hand in greeting.
I've learned so much about the governance of our schools, about educational policy, about how the school board structure works and I've spent hours reviewing budgets. This educates me and enriches my life and adds to my business tools. The only down side to the necessary campaigning is the time away from my husband and kids. But when they tell me they're proud of what I'm doing, it makes my heart warm.
All in all, no matter the outcome tomorrow, I've won more than I ever thought possible when I started on this path.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
well, that went better than aniticpated
I did it!
The first Meet the Candidate event last night was, at least for me, a success. I measure success in this as a personal triumph, not as much related to the actual election. This was a challenge to myself. For days, I had been preparing mentally. Telling myself I would be composed, I would be friendly, I would look people in the eye. I would be confident and not give in to nerves or panic. Not once did I stammer and stutter in confusion because I lost my ability to think on my feet. So for me, major success. My voice cracked and quavered a little in the my opening statement and that was okay. But once I started answering questions, any nervousness I had just drifted away.
The group was small, maybe 35 people. It sure looked like more when they were all staring at me from the other side of the table. Everyone was pleasant and courteous. The questions were solid and since I had bounced ideas around with others as I crafted my responses, my thoughts were in order when it was my turn. It was gratifying to see people nodding their heads at various points as I responded. It made me feel that the connection was made and my views were thoughtfully received.
There were a few chuckles, some good natured ribbing and thankfully there was no bickering among the candidates. After all, these Board of Education elections can be hotbeds of intrigue and scandal.
When the Q&A was over, people I had never met before came over to shake hands and tell me that I had their support. I was completely surprised how good that felt. How absolutely invigorating it was to know that maybe I would get the chance to make an impact on our school system.
And let's not forget a fundamental phase of preparing for this type of event. The outfit. New tailored chocolate slacks, new snazzy black & brown shoes, a tailored lilac wrap blouse with a chocolate shell underneath. A beaded necklace in complimentary colors to round it all out. When put together it screamed, Kickin' Ass & Takin' Names.
Which I did. Gloriously.
The first Meet the Candidate event last night was, at least for me, a success. I measure success in this as a personal triumph, not as much related to the actual election. This was a challenge to myself. For days, I had been preparing mentally. Telling myself I would be composed, I would be friendly, I would look people in the eye. I would be confident and not give in to nerves or panic. Not once did I stammer and stutter in confusion because I lost my ability to think on my feet. So for me, major success. My voice cracked and quavered a little in the my opening statement and that was okay. But once I started answering questions, any nervousness I had just drifted away.
The group was small, maybe 35 people. It sure looked like more when they were all staring at me from the other side of the table. Everyone was pleasant and courteous. The questions were solid and since I had bounced ideas around with others as I crafted my responses, my thoughts were in order when it was my turn. It was gratifying to see people nodding their heads at various points as I responded. It made me feel that the connection was made and my views were thoughtfully received.
There were a few chuckles, some good natured ribbing and thankfully there was no bickering among the candidates. After all, these Board of Education elections can be hotbeds of intrigue and scandal.
When the Q&A was over, people I had never met before came over to shake hands and tell me that I had their support. I was completely surprised how good that felt. How absolutely invigorating it was to know that maybe I would get the chance to make an impact on our school system.
And let's not forget a fundamental phase of preparing for this type of event. The outfit. New tailored chocolate slacks, new snazzy black & brown shoes, a tailored lilac wrap blouse with a chocolate shell underneath. A beaded necklace in complimentary colors to round it all out. When put together it screamed, Kickin' Ass & Takin' Names.
Which I did. Gloriously.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
here we go
Ohmygodsohmygodsohmygodsohmygods, it's tomorrow. No denying it. The first '"meet the candidates night" is tomorrow. I've been thinking, and writing, and obsessing, for days about these meetings.
I'll be ready.
I'll be me.
I'll be strong.
I'll admit what I don't know (buckets o'stuff).
I'll speak with confidence and conviction.
And I'll damn well smile while I do!
I'll be ready.
I'll be me.
I'll be strong.
I'll admit what I don't know (buckets o'stuff).
I'll speak with confidence and conviction.
And I'll damn well smile while I do!
Holy shit, my palms are sweaty.
Wish me luck.
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
hard parts and awkward silences
I might have mentioned I'm running for a seat on the local Board of Education. This fact continues to surprise me, bemuse me and, most importantly, terrify me. For the most part I'm a watcher with lots of opinions. Which makes blogging the perfect activity as you all get to read my sophomoric thoughts and I don't have to stand up in front of everyone to share them. This Board of Ed thing, that's a whole different animal. There are expectations that I will be able to stand up and express my views to gatherings of people, answer questions put forth by the general public and not sound like a complete moron. Or not resemble the proverbial deer in the headlights. I'm not so sure I can accomplish both those things at the same time.
In the coming month there are no less than five "meet the candidates" nights. These events are held in various places, such as the active adult clubhouse, an Elks Lodge, a conference room in an assisted living facility and the municipal building. The invitations have provided the usual guidelines for these events: 2-3 minute opening statement followed by a Q&A period, finished with a 1-2 minute closing statement. Each time a new invite arrives, my stomach starts to twist. Every time I think of presenting myself to a group of people, I have flashbacks of my very first oral report in junior high. The nervous sweat seaped out of my pores, my hands shook, my voice cracked and at regular intervals my brain ceased to function and I forgot what I was saying and my face turned red. My classmates twittered (Hah!) and, as junior high kids are wont to do, poked at my insecurities with laser precision. The memory has plagued me to this day.
Not long into my current profession, my boss discovered my dread of speaking in large meetings, evidenced by my carefully executed avoidance of same, and shoved me headfirst into presenting at weekly meetings. If she weren't such a nice person and did it for my own good, I'd call her a right bitch. (Hey MFQ, pay attention!) As with anything, it got easier with practice. I find this activity is also smoother with the people I know than with strangers. Nowadays, I have little hesitation in telling people why things should be done my way. Because I'm right. Really.
Small talk is staggeringly difficult for me to generate with new people. Awkward silences descend and the need to fidget escalates and the brain struggles to bring forth a congenial topic of conversation. Most of my acquaintances would laugh if they heard me say this as I'm known for being very outspoken and share more than I hold back. That's more about me not having a filter and oversharing with those I am comfortable.
The very act of being a candidate for the Board of Ed pushes me to introduce myself to new people and engage in dialogue on topics I have varying levels of knowledge. Give me a task, a focus, and I'm on the case. I will share everything I learn. Ask me to socialize and I'll find the nearest corner to watch the crowd. There's an expectation that as a candidate, I should be reaching out to certain individuals, the connected people in town or within the schools, so they can get to know me, convince them to support me in this endeavor. I know this is needed to get elected. It's truly the hardest part for me. Perhaps it will get easier as the days move on.
In the coming month there are no less than five "meet the candidates" nights. These events are held in various places, such as the active adult clubhouse, an Elks Lodge, a conference room in an assisted living facility and the municipal building. The invitations have provided the usual guidelines for these events: 2-3 minute opening statement followed by a Q&A period, finished with a 1-2 minute closing statement. Each time a new invite arrives, my stomach starts to twist. Every time I think of presenting myself to a group of people, I have flashbacks of my very first oral report in junior high. The nervous sweat seaped out of my pores, my hands shook, my voice cracked and at regular intervals my brain ceased to function and I forgot what I was saying and my face turned red. My classmates twittered (Hah!) and, as junior high kids are wont to do, poked at my insecurities with laser precision. The memory has plagued me to this day.
Not long into my current profession, my boss discovered my dread of speaking in large meetings, evidenced by my carefully executed avoidance of same, and shoved me headfirst into presenting at weekly meetings. If she weren't such a nice person and did it for my own good, I'd call her a right bitch. (Hey MFQ, pay attention!) As with anything, it got easier with practice. I find this activity is also smoother with the people I know than with strangers. Nowadays, I have little hesitation in telling people why things should be done my way. Because I'm right. Really.
Small talk is staggeringly difficult for me to generate with new people. Awkward silences descend and the need to fidget escalates and the brain struggles to bring forth a congenial topic of conversation. Most of my acquaintances would laugh if they heard me say this as I'm known for being very outspoken and share more than I hold back. That's more about me not having a filter and oversharing with those I am comfortable.
The very act of being a candidate for the Board of Ed pushes me to introduce myself to new people and engage in dialogue on topics I have varying levels of knowledge. Give me a task, a focus, and I'm on the case. I will share everything I learn. Ask me to socialize and I'll find the nearest corner to watch the crowd. There's an expectation that as a candidate, I should be reaching out to certain individuals, the connected people in town or within the schools, so they can get to know me, convince them to support me in this endeavor. I know this is needed to get elected. It's truly the hardest part for me. Perhaps it will get easier as the days move on.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Jitters and Shakes
It's official. The petition that declares me a candidate for a Board of Education seat has been submitted. As of yesterday morning.
When I brought the papers into the board administrative offices my palms were damp, my stomach jittery and my fingers shaking. Holy Smokes, I was nervous. As I stood standing in the reception area, waiting as the very nice woman reviewed my signed petition for any mistakes and verified the notary public seals, I wondered for the bazillionth time what the hell am I doing.
And then I looked at my daughter standing next to me. Oh yeah, that is why.
That realization, while calming my brain, did absolutely nothing to settle the stomach jitters.
Wish me luck, Internet.
When I brought the papers into the board administrative offices my palms were damp, my stomach jittery and my fingers shaking. Holy Smokes, I was nervous. As I stood standing in the reception area, waiting as the very nice woman reviewed my signed petition for any mistakes and verified the notary public seals, I wondered for the bazillionth time what the hell am I doing.
And then I looked at my daughter standing next to me. Oh yeah, that is why.
That realization, while calming my brain, did absolutely nothing to settle the stomach jitters.
Wish me luck, Internet.
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