Letter To The Editor – In Appreciation Of Don French, Jr. And Julie Darling

To the editor,
My appreciation of the commitment Don French and Julie Darling made to bringing some reason to the [BCS] BOE process is immeasurable. I’m not sure  most people understand the hours they both put toward standing up for what they believe. In the past the Board was told what was best, and no one ever questioned whether it truly was the best. The king of the land and his court often made decisions in a vacuum with very little concern for the children and their communities. Meetings lasted maybe two hours, and they only had one a month. These two have given above and beyond the call of duty with 5 hour meetings, often 4 times a month. I thank them for asking questions, as outrageous as that may seem to some folks.
Don, it is truly unfortunate that you were misunderstood by most of the teachers. You championed for accountability from the administrators and the teachers and were labeled a villain. I know in my heart you always wanted what you felt was best for the children and I commend you for staying true. Those who are  insecure always react defensively when questioned, please don’t take it personal and stay involved!
Julie, it is truly unfortunate that the BTO (whatever that is?) did not understand  they had a great ally in you! Having been an educator you were truly empathic in relating to the challenges they face daily. Many people would be very surprised to learn how many hours you spent in the schools, riding buses and visiting the garage over the past three years. You always did the research and made it personal, and I thank you for your sincerity. I also hope you will stay involved in questioning those who represent all of us.
To the two new BOE members good luck! Please do us all a favor, if you are tired at a BOE meeting excuse yourself and go home. Sleeping on stage is rude and a disservice to the public who voted for you. It also helps if you don’t interrupt other Board members when they are talking, If another Board member asks an administrator or a teacher a question please do not answer for them. I know the concept of talking directly into a microphone can be difficult to grasp after sitting in front of one for many years, but please do your best.
Thank you to all the voters in the BCSD for getting out the vote. It truly can make a difference if that is not the only thing you do for the kids and the community all year. To the people who chose to vote for the two new BOE members, you are responsible to assure that the health and safety of our children comes first. There will be decisions made in the near future that have great potential to put them at risk, and by giving this Board a mandate you bear responsibility for their decisions. I once read that, “Decisions based in fear take us nowhere, but those based in love help us all rise above!” To my supporters thank you, thank you, and thank you again! Who knows, maybe try again next year?
In closing, remember that Stephentown Elementary, as well as Grafton Elementary, belongs to all towns of this District. Keep an eye on all the savings that will result from closing Stephentown and keep in mind there is a bigger plan behind the plan, that involves BOCES and State Education. One last thing to watch is those declining enrollment numbers. Check the BOE meeting paper work and see how many students will be going to private schools or home schooling  next year. Enrollment declines are due primarily to the closing of schools. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy, and families are not leaving the District, they are choosing other options.
Set your expectations high with your BOE and insist that they create the vision for the future of this District, not some hired gun from the wild west.
John Nash
Grafton