Board Resignations Could Have Prevented BDR3 Turmoil: Letter

The following letter was written and submitted by Peter Henry.

"Victory has a thousand fathers and defeat is an orphan"

John F. Kennedy, 1961

John Kennedy was president the year I was born. Who knew that Jack's words would be so prescient regarding the Highland Park school district 112. As we all know, the school board recently voted to suspend the draconian plan known as BDR3 for one year while it develops a better approach. It was cheered wildly by all and exactly what the community needed at this time. The impetus for this change of heart was the sudden resignation of Superintendent Bregy. This provided the political cover for a few board members to "pivot" and do the right thing. It was unfortunate that the Board President, Michael Cohn, was absent that evening since he played an immense role in both the referendum and BDR3.

Not to be the skunk at the picnic, but what took them so long? This was an extended, drawn-out battle that did not need to be fought. Everyone was against BDR3. What if Dr. Bregy had not moved on to a new position, how far would this board have taken the community? The larger issue is why was this board still in place? Nobody has taken responsibility for the failed referendum disaster last March. In Italy last week, we observed the Prime Minister's referendum garner just 41% support. He promptly resigned the next day. He did not have the support of the people he was suppose to represent. That is the way it works. In the private sector, where I have spent my 30-year career, when you fail, you are asked to leave or you are terminated. It is cold and harsh but necessary. The folks that have created the problem, or failed to properly define it, are unlikely able to solve it.

The school board and administration put all of their chips in the center of the table last March with the referendum. That was, as some like to say, "their bite at the apple." When it failed they should have resigned immediately and allowed a new board to develop a new plan and hire a new superintendent. This would have prevented much of the turmoil over the past nine months. Clearly, they did not understand the desires of the community that they were elected to represent. Hopefully, the new candidates for school board are paying attention. The community will not tolerate radical change. You are not being elected for that purpose.

We have, figuratively, dodged a bullet in Highland Park with the postponement of BDR3. We should all be pleased that some sanity has been restored. As for the current board members it is unlikely that any "Profiles in Courage" awards will be given out for their performance this year.

Peter Henry
President, O'Keefe Henry Direct, Inc.