Change, Tolland Schools, and YOU

Let’s face it, Board of Education meetings are boring and schedules are insanely busy.  Unless you are there to be honored or speak about a matter of importance to you, it’s tough for even the staunchest supporter of education to attend BOE meetings regularly.  That’s why we elect our neighbors to represent the interests of our community.

October 17th is different.  Friends of Tolland Schools has asked the Board of Education and the Town Council to engage in REAL change around how our community priorities are articulated and how to tackle the difficult challenge of funding them.  We want to hear from them now about fiscal year 2014 and how they are structuring the budget to address cost increases and loss of grant funding.

October 17th is a conversation.  No Robert’s Rules to make things feel artificial and awkward.  Members of the Board and the Town Council will be there for a respectful exchange with you, and each other, about the best ways to collaborate, plan ahead, and communicate.  We elect them to represent us and, much of the time, that works.  However, after serving four years on the BOE, it is my opinion that the system is broken and it will take more than just those "inside" the process to improve it.   As a community, we need to advocate for changes that require a clear articulation of priorities, purposeful communication, and a collaborative approach among our professional and elected leaders that regards the entire community with respect.   A strong education system with a great reputation benefits every single individual in Tolland.  We need to tear down the artificial barriers between “education” and “town.”

Help start the process on Wednesday night, October 17th at 7:00 at Tolland High School.  Child care will be provided.   I hope to see you there.