Schlomann taking some positive steps

Schlomann taking some positive steps

After my recent letter in the Daily Herald regarding the use of consultants in D303 I received a call from Superintendent Schlomann, inviting me to meet with him this past week.

My first comment to Dr. Schlomann was he stepped into a mess with this district. During the course of our conversation we discussed the issues that have resulted from our school board and district, how far back they go, and how deep it runs with the taxpayers. I was impressed by his ability to listen and openly discuss the issues.

When the conversation turned to the continual use of consultants he advised he felt given how deep the issues run with the taxpayers his recent decision to hire a consulting firm was necessary in order to facilitate meetings he would like to have with the taxpayers. While I am still not sure I completely agree, I understand his reasoning and advised him to get his word out there (via the media) and explain how he plans to use the consulting firm and why.

The first way to reach the public is to maintain a continual and open discussion on the how's and why's of the decisions of the board and district. And while everyone may not always agree, at least this way the effort is made to give the taxpayers a better understanding of the decisions.

The complete breakdown of trust in our district and board has resulted in the taxpayers being upset with everything the board and district does. It reached as far as the taxpayers questioning Dr. Schlomann's employment package, which probably wouldn't have been an issue if everyone was happy with our district and the way things were run. But this is what happens when trust and respect are lost.

Dr. Schlomann seems sincere in his desire to turn things around. And while the board still has members sitting on it that have lost the trust of the taxpayers there are new individuals on the board and with all eyes watching one would hope the past antics of the old board members will not crop up again.

The public has spoken long and loud enough that it's time to clean things up. And, while I still contend the two old board members should step down, that doesn't seem likely so time will tell if our district can move forward and make things right.

It takes baby steps first before something can get up and run and Dr. Schlomann appears to be taking those steps. Hopefully it will work out so that in the long run the taxpayers get the district they pay for and deserve.

Cheryl Bast

South Elgin