School Board Chairs and More

My first foray into school board politics began about 13 years ago when my wife helped Carol Kurdell win her second election. Before then, I can’t remember watching a board meeting, or even voting for any board candidate. At a Kurdell fundraiser, I met for the first time the big and burly Sam Rampello, and a guy who became a good smoking buddy, Glenn Barrington.

Since those days, I’ve watched more board meetings than I’ll admit to watching. And over the years, we’ve all seen the good, bad, and ugly of board chairs.
Right now, this very moment, Kurdell is doing quite well as board chair. She has good control, is polite in that control, and as a moderator, keeps things moving.
My two all-time favorites were Barrington and Doris Ross Reddick.

Barrington was always the drill sergeant, had little patience with bloviation, kept all meetings to a time minimum, and always looked like he needed to run out and grab a smoke.

Ms. Reddick fumbled about often, needed help often, and at the same time, could look at then Superintendent Lennard with daggers and force a point. The school district quivered at the wrath of Ms. Reddick. She also had a big heart and could smile at anyone, anytime.

The best chair, in my opinion, has always been Candy Olson. She’s smart, makes few procedural mistakes, and always makes thoughtful comments. Her one downfall is she always seems to over-explain, over-detail us with her opinions. Not that she’s wrong, just too much information and opining.

Which leads me to: I am always searching for new topics here. And as you can guess, I do enjoy exploring the topic of two particular board members and their maverick ways.

Next in line for the board chair is Susan Valdes. Now that will be a hoot. Can you imagine the lady who has vocalized her lack of respect or trust for other board members (except Griffin) and district staff leading a board meeting? God help us!

At the same time, I also will be thankful for the future supply of fodder from Valdes. Jim Beam couldn’t give me a better buzz. I can only imagine the treasure trove of material, not just for me but for the local press.

And at the same time, I can only imagine the prep work that will be exercised by Patrick Manteiga and his echo, April Griffin, to keep Valdes from sounding, well, less educated than a sack of anchovies.

I can’t wait. I’m going straight to hell in a hand basket for thinking this…..but I just can’t wait.

posted by admin @ 7:01 PM