Help Wanted - Madison Board of Education Member

While most of Madison was at the League of Women Voters debate Tuesday evening, I opted to keep my continued attendance at the Board of Education meetings. To the best of my knowledge, there weren’t any reporters present at the Board of Education meeting, because, I'm sure, the debate was definitely viewed as the top news story of the day.

So, for those who were not aware, last night was Sam Cavaliere's last Board of Education meeting. He has served as a member of the Board for the past 18 months. He will be heading to San Diego CA with his family, and I wish them all the best. Anyone who is willing to give their time and dedication to serving the students of this district as a member of the Board of Education, not to mention his volunteer work as a firefighter as well, certainly has my utmost respect. Thanks, Sam, for your service to the people of Madison.

Now, according to my understanding of the Board of Education By-Laws (Linked here: http://www.madisonpublicschools.org/5141012212946280/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54119), the Board of Education has 60 days to appoint a replacement for Sam. Also, since more than 60 days will pass between the time of appointment and the next election in April, whoever they appoint, will then have the opportunity to run as a Board candidate. In other words, there will be 3 open positions in the April 2012 election.

I assume the Board of Education will be making an official announcement for interested candidates prior to or at the next meeting on November 8th. In light of this, I was thinking about how an ad for interested parties would read, and became even more interested in knowing who will apply for the job. For starters:

Wanted: A dedicated individual who is willing to give of their time and energy for the common good of all the students in Madison. Excellent communication skills needed. Understanding of policies and practices are imperative. Backgrounds in Finance, Education, Politics, Business, and everything else are preferred. Thick skins are needed! An average of two (2) nightly meetings per month, but more may be necessary.

Compensation: Well... really none to speak of, other than the knowledge that you are doing the best you can to help students, which should be of utmost importance to many of your fellow citizens. You are entitled to a bag of chips and a bottle of water at the BOE meetings. Also, preferential seating is available at MHS Graduation Ceremony.

Perhaps I am making light of a very serious job. I really do value the Board of Education, and worry about the constant loss of state funding and how it impacts our students. My children themselves have felt the impact of the cuts in several areas, most recently the cuts in elementary World Language. I look to Dr. Rossi's leadership and the Board to work together to ensure that funding mechanisms are put in place to ensure further cuts don't impact the education of our children. It's a very tough job indeed, and one with great demands and without monetary compensation. Anyone who is willing to make that sacrifice of themselves for the greater good is someone who deserves respect.

Once again, good luck to Sam, and to the Board of Education in the filling of his vacancy.