Op-Ed: Windham School Board's Empty Promises

I really was optimistic about this new school board. I thought the changes that were voted in based on the candidates messages would really lead to some fresh positive changes, results orientation and workman like approach. I thought they would build bridges in the community and unite to solve some of our school challenges.

I was wrong and boy was I snookered!

I was warned but didn’t listen. I guess the rumors are true. Ken is trying to hijack the board and school strategy based on some free state movement and a Machiavelli “the end justify the means” approach by using our agreed town and state rules to slow, stop and scheme against any progress at all. I get why Ken has concerns with the federal government and appreciate state rights over central control as well. However, where Ken is wrong is that he is not creating a new American Revolution, his impact on the federal level is non-existent and will continue to be. The only thing he is doing is weakening education to the children of Windham and the community. Maybe Ken has some good ideas, how would we know he isn’t honest about them, doesn’t put them up for consideration just schemes in the background to try and tinker with the educational model in his own self-defined vision as he know’s best for all of us. Kind of scary ? Reminds me of Germany in 1939?

I thought Tom Murray would be a good asset to the board with his construction knowledge and desire to get things done. I was Wrong again! Unfortunately, Tom really just serves at Ken’s bidding. He appears to be 100% directed by Ken on all communications and decisions. I saw recently in the news that Tom is a fan of Donald Trump. Well I am as well! However, there are big differences between Mr. Trump and our school boards approach. First of all the Donald gets things done and is transparent with his message and goals. The second is that Donald believes in building education especially math and science - he knows you cant cut your way to greatness. He believes in American Exceptionalism and understands education is critical to that. He would scoff at this board and if this was the private sector he would fire Ken and Tom. Maybe Tom can still make a difference would be nice to see him represent the community and not just Ken.

Every day our country falls farther and farther behind in education to China, India, Singapore, etc. If this board truly wants to make a difference by starting locally lets get some things done and make Windham, NH the great community it can be and do our part. Fix the school leaks, find some middle ground on space over-crowding, retain and support our administration and quality teachers. Build bridges with the community, create transparency , get things done. There will always been differences of opinion but the games this board are playing are childish at best and dangerous for our children at worst. I think there is an opportunity to change the approach, please open up the transparency and openness and get some basic things done!

I voted for Ken and Tom. Fool me once shame on you, fool me once shame on me. I wont be fooled twice.