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062504 Some Katonah-Lewisboro board members show lack of respect
 | the Editor: |
As anyone who has attended board of education meetings this past year knows, there are problems with our current Katonah-Lewisboro School Board. Some members display a lack of respect for our administration, fellow members, and even the community at large. They have come to meetings uninformed, unprepared, and advocate for their own agendas. Information from privileged, executive sessions is continually leaked to members of the public, in violation of one of the basic tenets of service. It seems to me this board is not able to work effectively as a group. As a community with over 4,000 children in our schools and $85 million under board management, we cannot afford to let this continue.
What can be done? With the upcoming election, two additional seats are available on the board. It is critical that we elect members with integrity and an honest desire to work together on behalf of the well-being of the entire district.
To assist in evaluating candidates, I will summarize from a section of the New York State School Board Association's (NYSSBA) article titled, "What Should I Look for in a School Board Candidate." We are advised to look for the following qualities:
You might also look for the following qualities:
• The ability to work well with a team and support group decisions, along with an understanding that the board sets a climate for the entire district.
• A desire to work toward a stronger relationship between the district and the public it serves.
• Awareness that students' different backgrounds may greatly affect the way they are affected by certain policies and programs.
• A keen eye toward serving the needs of all students.
| A professional, poised demeanor |
and respectful, respectable behavior.
| Respect for diverse points of view. |
• Commitment to the time and energy required each week for meetings, phone calls, conversations, visits to schools, and professional development seminars and workshops.
• Knowledge about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges, and strengths.
According to NYSSBA, at the heart of it all, members of a district's board of education must believe, unequivocally, in the value of public education. They must be dedicated to serving and teaching all children. They must believe in the democratic process and understand that their role is to act strategically, in line with the interests of the entire school community
Our community has much at stake in the July 6 election. Please get involved, get informed, and above all, get out and vote.