Concord School Board President Tenders Resignation

From Concord School District:

August 20, 2020

"I am writing to let the Concord community know that I am in the process of moving out of state, and am resigning from my seat on the Concord School Board effective August 31, 2020.

It has been my privilege to serve on the Board for the past twelve and a half years. I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside over 30 different Board members, all of whom added their own voices and perspectives to the work of the District. Every robust policy discussion, every difficult decision worked out through creativity and compromise, has added to the strength and resilience of the Board and the District. In this era of rancor and partisanship, through many wrenching challenges, the Board has maintained its commitment to civility, hard work, and public education.

I salute all the educators, administrators, and other staff in the District who devote their lives to serving all students, no matter what their situation or circumstances. You all have taught me so much. Every day you walk the walk of supporting our kids, through inclusion, differentiated education, technology integration, and social-emotional supports. Often you serve as the backstop for broader societal problems, and you do it with grace, caring, and optimism. I know that despite the risk and uncertainty of Covid-19, in a time when facing the frightening and unexpected is a daily fact of life, you will find creative and joyful ways to ensure that all of the students of Concord can learn and grow this year. Your courage and perseverance inspire me.

Over the past year and a half, I have been particularly heartened to see students and recent graduates taking a leading role in demanding action and justice – not only on student safety but also on ending racial discrimination and systemic inequality. I am glad the Board has learned to listen to your voices, even when the things you are saying are difficult to hear. You are the leaders we must follow if we want true change.

I hope that some of the members of the community who have recently been involved in School Board discussions will consider running for a seat on the Board. With my departure, there will be a one-year at-large seat on the ballot during the 2020 election, in addition to the three-year seats for Districts A, B, and C. Whether your passion is for student safety, academic excellence, social-emotional supports, fiscal prudence, inclusionary learning, or speaking truth to power and demanding systemic change, the Board and the community need your passion for justice, equity, and civic engagement. I hope that you will find service on the Board as rewarding as I have, and I would be glad to talk with you if you are considering running.

Thank you to the community of Concord for giving me the opportunity to serve on the School Board for so many years. I am confident that the District will be successful and will continue to improve over the next years as it tackles the difficult and rewarding work of educating the next generation of Concord’s citizens."

Jenny Patterson

This press release was produced by Concord School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.