08/26/2026
I was only able to attend a portion of the school board meeting tonight. Here are my public comments:
Good evening
First, I want to thank Mr. Strickler, Mrs. Carter, and Mrs. Bazarian for attending the marching band’s community preview a couple weeks ago. While the weather wasn’t what we hoped for & the show was moved indoors, I think we can all agree they put on an awesome performance.
For those of you who were not in attendance- you’re in luck. Tonight at 8:30, they will be performing a full preview under the stadium lights at the end of their rehearsal. You can simply walk on over after this meeting adjourns.
(UPDATE: Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Bazarian, Mrs. Yoder, and Mr. & Mrs. Lindemuth accepted the invitation.)
I believe showing up is important. Not just for our music ensembles or athletic teams, but for all students in the district.
I recently saw a district post reminding us that we need to keep students at the center of every decision and those words were echoed at the start of the meeting
“to stay focused on what matters most, build coherent systems, create meaningful learning experiences, strengthen teacher-student relationships, and work together so every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive”.
Those are good words. I’d hope every person in this room can get behind them.
But words only matter when our actions match them.
And over the past year or more, I think it’s fair to ask whether they have.
We have seen valuable learning opportunities removed. Field trips scaled back. The Full-Day Kindergarten pilot eliminated. Mental health screenings removed and, to my awareness, still not restored. The new proposed specials schedule for the Middle School - removing art & music from an entire school year… with the option for students to join lunch time learning opportunities instead ? We’re essentially modeling for middle schoolers how to have a working lunch.
We have fewer staff available to support students, and fewer administrators available to support educators as they navigate the day to day challenges in our schools.
We have watched student representatives be silenced and made to feel unwelcome at your table when their perspectives differed from the board.
And we have watched educators face increased scrutiny, rather than being trusted & supported as the professionals they are.
So when we say “students at the center,” I think we have to ask: Which students? And are we considering the whole student?
The student who needs academic support.
Those who needs mental health resources?
The student who learns outside the classroom or whose only time they feel engaged is in an art or music class? The student whose voice challenges us to think outside of our own perspective or experience?
Student-centered leadership doesn't mean every student gets what they want, but they do get what they need in the form of opportunities & support.
It means we listen. We consider the impact of our decisions. We trust the professionals closest to our students. And when something isn't working, we have the humility to change course and the ability to collaborate and compromise.
I believe in this district. I believe in our educators. I especially believe in our students. And I believe we can get back to a place where the words “student-centered” aren't just something we share on social media, but something our students, families, and educators can actually feel.
There is no shortage of people willing to work toward that.
So in the spirit of a new school year -
where can we work together, listen to one another, and make actions match words.
Thank you.
