9. Bold Leadership

(Previously sent to friends as a “Happy Friday” email on 12/2/11.)

I went to the school board meeting Wednesday night, but not for the obvious reason of listening to the Approval of the Minutes.  No, I was there for the swearing in of our newest board member who I’m so pleased to have joining the group.  Surprisingly, the swearing-in itself didn’t actually involve any swearing.  That’s a good thing since I probably would have started laughing and then been asked to leave … kind of like what happened at church one Sunday when I was growing up.  My friend, Geoff, and I had finished sipping the sacrament when, without warning, he just leaned his head back and gargled it.  I’m not sure if I sprayed anybody, but clearly the adults didn’t share the lighthearted nature of the moment and escorted us out … with brusqueness.

Anyway, the swearing-in that didn’t include any swearing was informative.  Among other things, school board members, it seems, have to agree to abide by the Constitution of the United States …  as well as follow the laws of the United States … AND the laws of Washington State.  Tall order.  Call me naive, but this sounds like a good idea for all citizens.  This would mean, in my judgment, that breaking a speeding law would result in an impersonal pink slip stating: “Take a hike, PAL! … or SISTER….” 
 

So, in reality, the standards for the job are quite demanding.  I should know because, truth be told, I was an unofficial school board member some years ago, back when the district was much more fun.  It was during a transition between board members, and I discovered a vacant space on the wall outside the board room where the outgoing member’s framed picture had been. Not wanting the appearances of a power vacuum at the top of the food chain, I brought in a picture of myself as a kid and taped it to the wall when no one was around. It took nearly two weeks before someone apparently noticed this wasn’t the new board member in his youth and removed it. I remember feeling quite proud of myself having used my power for good when the district needed BOLD leadership.

Board Temp

As a pragmatist with experience in the role, I’m wondering if the bar hasn’t been set a bit too high though.  I mean, I can see a situation where I might be late for a board meeting and get a speeding ticket along the way … then quickly parking across the street with two wheels on the curb … aaand jay-walking mid-block just as a squad car is cruising by.  Next thing you know, I’m looking at Three-Strikes-You’re-Out and trading my place at the big house on Bernard St. (district administrative office) for the REAL big house on W. Mallon (Spokane County Jail) … which pretty much looks the same except their windows run vertically, plus they might have some esthetic differences inside.  But, on the bright side, they give you three squares a day, AND, I don’t think they make you sit all the way through board meetings acting like you’re paying attention.

L. Haymond

Person of Interest