Dear Editor:
After seeing the reaction to my letter published March 31, I
think I need to clarify my thoughts and make an apology for
choosing my words so poorly.
Dear Editor:
After seeing the reaction to my letter published March 31, I think I need to clarify my thoughts and make an apology for choosing my words so poorly.
I want to take full responsibility for making this mistake. I reacted emotionally when it would have benefited the situation to take time and make more appropriate statements that would have carried the discussion further forward, instead of dragging it off topic into areas that I never intended. This is poor performance on my part. I will address that issue in the future and will use this mistake as a learning tool to improve my performance. I need to build partnerships with all members of Gilroy Unified School District and the community if we are going to make the changes that are needed.
To the hard-working teachers that I offended, I sincerely apologize. My comments were poorly chosen, and were hurtful to people that I admire and respect. That was wrong. I’m sorry. That was never my intent, and I made a costly and obvious mistake in wording and tone.
To the other Board members, I apologize for blindsiding you with this. I know you all work hard to bring the best to this district and you have all supported me and helped me learn the ropes.
To Superintendent Edwin Diaz and his staff, I apologize for bogging you down in this controversy. I know you don’t need this, now or ever.
To the community, I apologizing for not being able to bring you better results. It is obvious that I am deeply concerned about the performance and culture that exists throughout ALL levels of GUSD. I’m willing to fight for it, and fight hard, but I do need to be more skilled at how I go about it if I am to be a successful Board member.
To everyone concerned: I pledge that the mistakes I make along the way will be mistakes of action and not neglect. I might push too hard for change or expect it to come too rapidly. I might be too demanding, and not tolerant enough. I will never quit on this mission. I will never accept that we can’t pay teachers better, hire more maintenance workers for facilities, and raise the performance of all students.
I will choose my words more carefully in the future, and be a more productive Board member. This is my pledge to Gilroy.
David McRae, Gilroy
Submitted Thursday, April 3 to ed****@****ic.com
