Past time for this board to be a team

I have tried to be an involved parent and community member for the seven years in which I have lived within the District 158 boundaries.

For the majority of the time, I have been pleased by the concern, dedication and respect of District 158 team of teachers, principals, volunteers, board members, etc. But over the last year I have been very disappointed and annoyed.

Each board member ran for a position on the board because they felt they had something positive to contribute to the growth and development of this school district and community, but apparently those goals have gotten lost.

The differences each brings to the board are what can help to make this the best school district around. Diversity is one of the greatest gifts we can bring to a community and team. Respect, understanding and compromising are some of the attributes that are needed for this diversity to have positive effects.

Board members seem to have forgotten they are here for the benefit of this district as a whole, and see their position on the board as a platform for their personal soapbox.

They are not behaving as a team of people looking out for the best interests of the children and adults in this community, but instead as individuals looking out for their own interests.

Time, money and energy are being greatly wasted. From what has been written in the papers, it is obvious closed meetings are lasting way too long with nothing being accomplished. Outside resources are being hired to work on projects and when the outcomes are not what some of want, the solution is to spend more money on a different resource.

As a parent and community member, I am asking all to reflect on their past behavior and attitudes, and strive to work together.

It is time for this board to remember where the focus should be aimed. It is time to remember that individual choices and behavior affect everyone in this community, young and old. It is time to be a team.

Eileen D. Prerost