Weathering the Storm

“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles. We’ve all worked with that person. That person is a drag.”
– Tina Fey

There are moments in life when stepping back isn’t a sign of weakness, but an act of strength, a way to protect our peace, our families, and our values. Over the past few months, I chose silence, a decision that was both easy and necessary. But now, breaking that silence is important, especially in light of recent events which should not go unaddressed.

My family faced a tsunami of invasive public scrutiny that was both unexpected and deeply personal. What began as attacks related to my husband’s volunteer position as a dedicated school board member quickly escalated, fueled by an individual I once called a friend, and another who created a platform rooted in division rather than genuine dialogue. It was painful to watch, not just because of what was said, but because of the energy it pulled away from what truly matters: serving the kids and our community with honesty and integrity.

My goal has always been to help, to assist, to maybe offer a different perspective based on my experience. But the atmosphere that developed, an arena filled with tension, misinformation, and hostility, was not good for me, my family, or our community. The personal attacks crossed so many lines, including adults in this district approaching my minor child at her place of employment to confront her about our family and my husband’s “politics.” That kind of behavior took its toll. It was invasive, inappropriate, and deeply hurtful.

Ironically, the same individual who publicly criticized and actively worked to dismantle the district from the outside was elected by our community to the very board she targeted. And then, within just five weeks, she resigned. It seems it is easier to shout from a self-appointed platform than to roll up your sleeves and do the hard, often thankless work of volunteering and working toward real change.

Over the past few years, this individual has led a group that has consistently sowed tension, division, and hostility. They orchestrated the removal of a veteran superintendent who dedicated over a decade to serving our schools, a reckless decision likely to cost the district and tax payers close to a million dollars, and which has already prompted the resignation of several valued district employees. Actions have consequences, and facing them requires true strength of character.

What’s even more telling is the inability to sit in silence. True strength often lies in the capacity to listen, to pause, and to reflect. I’ve never judged someone solely by their mistakes – I’ve certainly made my fair share of doozies – but I do judge the unwillingness to learn and grow from those missteps. Silence requires self-control, patience, and humility. Often, the loudest voices are just masking the deepest insecurities.

And now, instead of having a representative chosen through the democratic process, our community will have a board member appointed by the remaining board, an individual who will serve a full four-year term. This robs the community of their voice and the fairness of an election. These same board members, already stretched thin, must now dedicate even more time and energy to finding a replacement for someone who was never truly committed to the work in the first place.

I’m writing this not to gloat or dwell in drama. I’m writing because truth matters, especially when there are constant demands for “transparency.” The opportunity to truly be part of the solution was there. Community matters. And leadership, real leadership, takes more than loud opinions. It requires consistency, empathy, humility, and the willingness to do hard work even when no one is watching.

I haven’t yet decided if I will return to updating, sharing, or offering perspectives. Life is busy, and my family is my priority. But if I do return, I’ll do so with a clearer perspective and a deeper appreciation for the people who reached out in kindness and support when we needed it most.