Dear Editor,
It is with incredible surprise and amazement that I react to
this morning’s opinion column by Denise Apuzzo. Although I don’t
necessarily agree with her, she usually gives me the impression
that she understands the issues and concerns regarding a particular
subject.
Dear Editor,
It is with incredible surprise and amazement that I react to this morning’s opinion column by Denise Apuzzo. Although I don’t necessarily agree with her, she usually gives me the impression that she understands the issues and concerns regarding a particular subject. Today, she seems to not have a clue on the reasoning for the lack of support in nominating Tom Bundros for vice-president of the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees.
I would think Apuzzo would certainly understand the most important criteria and qualifications for leadership, particularly in a role where an individual would typically become the leader of a school board. It is absolutely critical for an individual member of any board to have three specific talents or abilities: leadership by example, consensus building and the willingness to collaborate with your fellow board members.
Apuzzo states she was “shocked” and goes on the attack of specific board members for the lack of support for Bundros. She implies the “experienced” board members lack integrity.
I take that to mean that she believes only Rhoda Bress and Bundros have integrity. She then rambles on about the many problems GUSD faces and puts the blame squarely on the shoulders of these “experienced” trustees. Does she not have a pulse on how these individuals perceive good leadership qualities?
The only clue that Apuzzo might have a little understanding of the issues is when she refers to Bundros as an outsider and she asserts that the vice-president “needs to be someone who could step into the role of president if needed.” Here is where the rubber meets the road. It is very clear that the board, including Pat Midtgaard, did not see those leadership traits, mentioned above, in Bundros. Therefore, it would not be prudent to give someone the responsibility of vice-president, knowing the individual may eventually become president.
Serving on a school board is a thankless job and I do not believe, as Apuzzo asserts, that our experienced board members do not work diligently for the best education possible for “all of our students.” I further believe that Bundros has the ability and opportunity to become an excellent contributor and catalyst for positive change in our schools.
The tricky part is how you get there. Certainly not by trying to force your ideas down the throats of your fellow board members, or interrupting others with illogical or thoughtless expression. You must be sincerely interested in the ideas of others, fully consider them, and then calmly and professionally, address those ideas. You can’t be a maverick or lone ranger and then sit there and wonder why you don’t have the support of your team, at least not without an effort towards consensus building and collaboration.
I truly believe Bundros has some valuable ideas towards the betterment of our schools. I wish him success with the board, as I also am a strong advocate for the gifted student as I am for the underachiever.
This experience can serve as a very positive lesson for Bundros and I would encourage him to observe Bress on her thoughtful presentation of ideas and willingness to be a part of the team. There is invaluable training available for board members that addresses the role of a board member and the relationship building of one individual with the rest of that board.
Let’s allow the good and positive to come out of this situation, and not solely work towards “stirring up trouble.”
The board has some tough and complex issues before them … let’s be supportive in getting them resolved.
Ernesto Olivares, Gilroy
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a
well-written letter.
