Changes

It's been a while.  By design.  There's been so much I wanted to say.  Needed to say.  And can not say.  So I figured saying nothing is best.
I've come to ask myself the same question as I go through these tough decisions.  Will what I do impact IPS in a positive way?  There's some moments that I probably make the selfish choice.  Maybe I complain about something that doesn't really matter, but I make it an argument anyway.  And I have been known to make a joke or two.  This too doesn't help the district.  But I do it anyway.  Mostly to keep my sanity.
It has been an emotionally draining couple of weeks.  For many people.  A scary time.  For many people.  Let's see- we began by reorganizing our committees.  We put the preschool plan on hold.  Then we accept the resignation of the Superintendent.  And then we non renewal letters to 138 administrators.
Well, we've proved to be one thing.  Bold and fast.  This board is made up of some very smart people.  Each one with great strengths.  As a group we have learned or are at least learning to recognize those in one another.  We don't always agree.  In fact we often dispute each other.  However I see us growing every day.
So I ask.  Please have faith is us.  Please support us.

The Officers

I would like to introduce you to the Officers of the IPS School Board.

President- Diane Arnold
Vice President- Annie Roof
Secretary - Samantha Adair-White

Yep folks.  We did it.  And we have three new board members.  It is a new day.
We had our first official meeting on Jan. 9th.   At this time we re-evaluate out Committees.  And we decide to make a change.  These will be proposed and voted on at the Briefing Session.  We are voting on this at the briefing because we need these changes made by February when our committee meetings will start up again.  We are combining Legislative and Policy, Education will remain the same, as well as Recourse.  Since we are combining the two we are adding a new committee.  This new committee will focus on Community engagement.

We also looked at things that had been done in the past, just because, and decided to try doing things a different way.
I thought all the board members were kind and courteous to one another and listened to each other.  It was a great conversation.  And I loved it.

We have a lot of work to do.  And I am sure things will be rocky at times.  But I think we're all gonna be ok.

Winter Break

I have really enjoyed this time off.  Off of schedules and meetings and everything.
But relaxing is about to come to a screeching halt.  Jan. 7 is the night the new board members are sworn in.  This is a big night for them and the rest of us.
Running a campaign is in a category like no other.  It is emotionally, physically  sometimes financially, draining.  It eats up all your free time and time that isn't even free.  It is the longest and toughest job interview out there.  ANYONE who put their hat in the ring and runs for public office deserves a pat on the back and some gratitude.

There's been some news regarding IPS lately.  IPS won the lawsuit for funding for the students we didn't lose during the takeover situation.  The rest of the story is kind of murky given a week after the board members become official, we get a new State Superintendent.

I will post here as changes happen.