Let's keep talking

So now that the (of course, there is that “little” issue of the out of the budget that was proposed on May 14th… More on that at the June 1st BOE meeting), I suppose most will withdraw from the more fevered interest that many had for the school budget this past month or so.  But I am hopeful for something different.

These past few weeks, we (BOE members) about the budget, teacher contracts, the superintendent’s position, iPads, tax rates, administrators, etc, etc, etc, than we did all of the rest of the year. It was ugly at times, but more often it was passionate and respectful. There was great dialogue. Perhaps a few were open to different considerations or helped to make others more aware of another perspective. But they were (I think) healthy exchanges that were good for Brookfield.

Of course, as a supporter of the budget proposal, I am thrilled that we are not going back to a third referendum. I am, likewise, very grateful that so many turned out at the polls and that the majority saw fit to support the latest proposal. I am also grateful for the Board of Finance who wisely put forth a number that the majority could get behind.

And especially to all the parents that took an interest — perhaps some for the first time in regards to budget issues — I would offer a special thanks. I would further ask and challenge you all to stay informed, stay involved, and have your voices heard. It is undeniable that the parents of school-aged children have the most invested in the performance of our schools. So, PLEASE, stay involved!

But the group that I am thinking the most about is the group that voted NO to the school budget (and make no mistake… this was a BIG group of Brookfielders). What has me thinking about that group? I guess trying to continue to understand what they didn’t like.

So, I am asking that those that voted NO to please keep talking to us. I, for one, want to understand the concerns. In the end, we may simply disagree, but amongst about 2,100 people I am willing to bet that there are perspectives or facts that they may have had that I had not considered as well as the other way around. What a pity if that trend continues simply because there isn’t better communication.

So I would ask all of you — those that voted either way and even those that didn’t vote — let’s continue the discussions. Those discussions can certainly take place, in part, in online forums such as is provided here. But I think “real” dialogue in face-to-face situations would be even more productive. Personally, I am willing and open to any formal or informal get-together to discuss issues facing our schools. If we keep it respectful, I can only see good coming from such dialogue.

See you at a BOE meeting or other meeting around town?