Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to the article regarding the appointment
of a new trustee for the Gilroy Unified School District Board of
Education.
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to the article regarding the appointment of a new trustee for the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education.
I thought the article adequately explained the process that we will use to find a replacement for TJ Owens, our former board president. As stated, the board will discuss options for replacement, and a three-member board subcommittee will be selected to define the timeline and requirements for candidates.
However, I was concerned at the message conveyed that three board members “would like to appoint a candidate who has experience.” I did refer to the fact that there is definitely a learning curve and that it does take some time to assimilate and then practice the various protocols and policies that govern the board’s operations. Such a statement should not imply that only experienced community members should apply. I am confident that the board subcommittee will clearly and fairly define the criteria for this position as well as the “open” process that will be followed.
A person who has the desire to be an advocate for the students in our public education system, the parents and community-at-large should not be discouraged by the fact that it’s going to take some time to “learn the ropes.” In the past, inexperienced board members have successfully filled the interim position and later were elected permanently to a seat on the board.
I would like to encourage interested community members to attend the next board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:30pm and give careful consideration to serving on the Gilroy Unified Board of Education.
Patricia Midtgaard,
board member, Gilroy Unified School District
