By Lisa Rapose

This referendum, unfortunately, was a casualty of disinformation.  Pure and simple.

I can not tell you the number of folks who told me, “I agree that it would be a good thing to change the BOE to 4 year terms but, I think we should wait and do it without ‘kicking everybody off’…”   These good-hearted people did not want to unseat the BOE.  It all seemed mean-spirited to them.  Sadly, they just did not know that the reconstitution of the board is the ONLY WAY to do that.  There simply is no “nice” way.  We have no other means short of a town charter of changing the terms of the BOE.  We can not just “change the terms”.  That is the law. 

I don’t think that any of us who actually know what is going on are at all surprised by the fact that John and Becki (café) never chose to inform the citizens of this FACT.  That site is not the least bit interested in providing all the facts so that the citizens can make up their own minds.

Even more curious is why more people didn’t question the PTO’s opposition.  What, precisely, did the PTO’s executive committee fear?  Did these executive committee members think they wouldn’t be able to work with others who might be elected to the BOE?  Other than trying to keep their “friends” on the BOE from losing their positions, what precisely were they opposed to?  Because I have to tell you, I have yet to hear any legitimate arguments for the PTO opposing the BOE’s re-structure (other than protecting their friends, that is).

And, yes, I’m well aware of how much larger the target on my back just became with these statements.  So be it.  Regardless of my detractors’ negative depiction of me, those who know me know full well my intentions and character.

Many of those who voted NO yesterday seem to have younger children in the system and unwittingly believe that the educational experience that their children are enjoying is somehow the golden feather of the BOE.  It’s not.  They believe that the sky would fall if the BOE had been changed by this referendum.  They, in my mind, are victims of the propaganda and rhetoric they have been subjected to (I know…I was once one of the victims).

I give full credit for the success of our schools to our teachers, our children, and our families.  Without the wonderful cocktail of good parenting, responsive children and an unbeatable front line working in the trenches (our teachers), we would NOT have anything to crow about.

I feel for these families of young children who will all too soon be facing the coming battle (when their children will be heading off to WA) because unless things change, that’s exactly what they’re in for – a battle.  Sadly, these parents will learn that their children will become part of the opposing team…the BOE seems to forget that once they go off to WA they are still Woodstock children.  They will not fully appreciate the value of WA until their children are on the receiving end of WA’s educational offerings.  Nor will they appreciate how blessed we are to have such a school as our designated high school.

These same parents will also continue to be subjected to the “threats” of firing teachers and cutting of essential programs.  They will bear this heavy burden year after year and many will be oblivious to the fact that the store is just not being run the way it should (you know, like we all do with our own households).  And, let me state for the record that this has nothing to do with Mr. Gamache or Mr. Toth.  Both men are terrific principals and I have great respect and admiration for both men.  Nor do I believe that all of the current BOE members are cut from the same cloth…there are some, in my opinion, very fine people who have unfortunately become caught up in the machine.

I, too, am now “safe” at Woodstock Academy and believe me it’s a relief.  Even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to see a change in the way the BOE does “our business” I can finally breathe easy.

I sincerely hope that this next generation of parents are blessed with a change or at the very least become involved to the extent necessary to evoke a positive change.  I truly do.  And, with the incredible turnout at yesterday’s polls, I am heartened.

As I have said many times, we need a BOE that actually listens to the people.  Not a BOE which is comprised of individuals more concerned with personal ambitions and personal/political agendas.  Not a BOE comprised of the inflated egos of those who believe they are intellectually superior and know what’s best for us (and our children) and seek to do what they want regardless of our will.  Unfortunately, with 6 year terms, we will never be able to engage some very worthy people…we will never get them off the sidelines…

Like the many who have come before us and fought for change, I see this as they must have…a passing of the torch.  I imagine that they, too, wished us well.

Good luck.