Opportunity Missed!

First, I would like to thank all those that helped in whatever way to make a change in the Holland School District. Your efforts were greatly appreciated and well done!

Final Results:

Holland Schools School Board
2 Candidates to be Elected


Susan DeJong
2,399
36%

Stephen Grose
1,719
26%
Mary Yedinak
1,216
19%
Al Friend
1,212
19%

Interesting that Steve and Susan ran as a slate and she got almost 700 votes more than him! If we were running last year, we would have been elected!

Since I have been involved in the politics of Holland I would like to give you my take on what happened.

First, Steve's playing the "Evil Union" card and saying that union members were clock watchers and implying that only non union teachers were professionals last Friday plays well in Holland. I do not think this helps convince any parent that they should send their child to our schools though. Susan says it all about kids/programs and she will always vote for the programs. Imposing is her name of the game and with no plan to keep and attract great teachers, says that anyone can teach her programs. Is privatizing teachers next?

I think the high turnout for a school board election was also driven by some other subtle but very important factors.

The influence of charter and faith based schools parents and Administration was a factor. In my discussions with some of them it was evident they were not for me and for a reason. What better way to keep up enrollments and hold down teachers pay and benefits than watching a public School board and Administration belittle the professionalism of their staff! Great Stuff!

There are also those in the State that had a serious interest in keeping the leadership status quo because they hold up Holland's imposing contracts as the way of the future! I believe some outside money was use to pay for two very expensive mailings and other cards.

Then there were the voters I talked with that did not feel there was a problem and that teachers were HAPPY with the board leadership. They said that only a few teachers spoke out against them and they were the "evil union" types. They also said that most would be NONUNION if given the chance. Interesting.

What do I see for the future? It seems from the statements made in the paper that you are in for four years like the last two. The Board leadership is looking at it is as a mandate to impose more and give less in all areas.

The missed opportunity of this past election will haunt the community because of the attitude of leadership is not one of reconciliation but imposing and without a strong public school system we are in further economic trouble.

Can you make a difference? Bring civility back to the district?

YES YOU CAN!

But you, and by you, I mean everyone has to step up to the plate and support the efforts of your leadership. The Board's leadership style is to divide and conquer. From my toadstool, they are winning.

The future of the Holland School District has ALWAYS been in your hands-IF YOU WANT IT!

Thanks again and GOOD LUCK!

AL Friend