Steven's Response

[Steven's response to my previous post is posted below. In response to Steven's request to be on the blog and in the email discussion group, I encouraged him to join. As he indicated, he may not engage us on the list, but he is concerned about our comments.]

I think your statements about your accountability to your family exactly make my point. As a board member, I need to be accountable to the entire district. That is a little more abstract that one family, neighborhood, school or community, but it is necessary. Sometimes, that broader interest cannot accommodate all perspectives and needs and so we have conflict. On the whole, I think conflict can generate better solutions in the long run.

I agree that some people might take the statements about accountability as an excuse to not listen. That is not my position, nor is it my point. I try very hard to listen to all perspectives, but I cannot agree with all of them all of the time and I need to weigh the comments made based on perspective and all those other things we consider in making good decisions.

My only excuse for the way I voted was that I thought it was the best for the district as a whole. It's not that I didn't listen. I did listen intently. It's not that I did not care. I care deeply. I just could not reconcile some of those views presented with the best long term interests of the district as a whole.

It's important that I retain my integrity as that is how you can know I will listen to all sides in the future. I won't promise something I cannot do. I will promise to do what I think is best. I keep my promises.

BTW, may I join the blog/discussion group? I was not sure whether I was welcome and I did not want to appear to be eavesdropping. However, I think at least being a "lurker" will help me be in touch with the district parents (at least those that blog).

Thanks.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 279

Steven E. Antolak
School Board Member