[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Gopherville: Chaper Two

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Gopherville: Chaper Two
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1207774475.shtml


   Previously: [1]1
   It is late April. The Gopherville School Board is in session. The
   chair Virgil F. Thompson, 61, was the local District Court justice,
   now retired. Mrs. Bea Sorenson is the Clerk and Mr. Sam Dodsworth is
   the Treasurer. Mr. Charles "Champ" Perry is the Vice Chair. Mrs. Carol
   Warren was just elected this term. Her husband, a decorated Marine,
   and Gopherville's elder science teacher Leonard passed away
   unexpectedly two years ago. She ran for the Board, in his name and to
   stay connected with the school system they both loved.
   "Item 5A is next," said Thompson. "Mrs. Warren?"
   "Thank you, Judge," she began. "You all have copies of my report and
   my recommendation. For the benefit of those here, I am recommending
   that we let our membership in the Greater Minnesota School District
   Association lapse. Normally, we would renew this on June 1st, with
   dues assessed and paid by September 1st."
   "We began this inquiry shortly after attending the GMSDA Quarterly
   meeting this past February. We all attended since it was close by in
   Zenith. I think it's fair to say that we were all disappointed, that
   what Vice Chair Perry had observed appeared to be true. The GMSDA is
   basically a lobbying organization. Its other offerings are minor and
   not of any real value, at least not to our District. It also seems
   apparent that they favor further consolidation of rural districts,
   merging with Zenith in our case. I find no support for that position
   on this board or in the community, yet the GMSDA is resisting making
   any exceptions to their position."
   "I therefore move that we not renew our membership in the Greater
   Minnesota School District Association." Champ Perry quickly seconded
   and the Chair invited discussion which made it clear that only Bea
   Sorenson seemed reluctant.
   "Mr. Chair, may we be heard?" asked the now standing James Lefferts,
   Executive Director of the GMSDA. Beside him, also now standing, was
   Ruth Chatterton, president of the local teachers union.
   "Mr. Lefferts, I believe you had your turn when you met with us, what,
   ten days ago?"
   "You weren't able to be there, Judge. This is an important decision
   and I wanted to be sure you fully understood our organization, our
   mission, and our commitment to helping our membership take on the
   increasingly difficult changes facing public education in Greater
   Minnesota." Champ Perry made no effort to conceal a small, well-timed
   yawn.
   "You read Mrs. Warren's report. We've all read your response. But
   without objection," said Thompson, looking side to side. "Without
   objection, we can spare you two minutes. So make it count and stay on
   point."
   "That's all I need, Mr. Chairman." He needed much more than that and
   he knew it. He had to at least make the effort to show the other
   member districts that he had made every effort, and Judge Thompson
   knew it.
   When Lefferts was done, Thompson asked if Ms. Chatterton wanted to
   speak.
   "Thank you, Judge, I do, and I also will be brief. We can disagree on
   their other roles, but I think we should agree on the need all the
   lobbying we can get. This is sending the wrong message." She paused.
   "In theory we shouldn't have to lobby. But we do, and that's a big
   part of what GMSDA has always done for us. I don't see how less is
   more here. We understand your concerns, and I'm sure everyone
   appreciates your fiscal discipline. But unless you're going to replace
   Jim's group with some other group or change, well, I,." She paused
   again. "Look, it looks like this decision is already made. Fine, it's
   your call. Let's see what happens. But will you at least agree to
   revisit this next year, based on what indeed happens?"
   "That seems reasonable, Ruth, and thank you for understanding," said
   Thompson. "The Chair would entertain a friendly amendment to that
   effect. And Ruth, I'll charge you with reminding us next year!"
   The amended resolution passed unanimously.

References

   1. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1207374623.shtml