“Hi, My name is Shaun and I’m a Girl Dad,” no laughter, “I usually kill with that line at home,” polite laughter. The punch line to my go-to dad-joke at least broke some ice. This was my opening statement at the December 2021 Oakwood School Board of Education (BOE) meeting. That meeting was the first after the highly emotional November 2021 school board election. An election that deeply divided the community on district issues. An election that saw record voter turnout. An election whose emotion could still be felt at that BOE meeting.
As a concerned Oakwood parent, I was one of a handful of people who requested floor time before the board after that election. My message was intended to help bring people together against the sharp contrasts our community had lived through the last 6 months. It was in part to also serve as a humble request to incoming board members to represent all members of the community, not only their voting constituents.
To the credit of the board in the months following, several board members met with the Oakwood Strong Schools group, listening and responding to comments, concerns, and questions. I really appreciated that. It wasn’t perfect, because nothing is, but their willingness to take time meant a lot to all of those who were there. Addressing key issues is still a work in progress. Do I think the work is done or the district is running the way every parent would like? No. Does it have to? No, but my feeling is the district should run in a way that is fair to all community members and gives equal consideration to those ideas in district policy. I believe we are closer to that standard than before the 2020 school year.
In part, I credit the encouragement that we feel to our former School Board President, Mr. Todd Duwell. Todd served the district for a decade from 2012-2022 and was a part of the leadership team that kept Oakwood as an academic standard bearer for the Miami Valley during that time. One key accomplishment that he helped foster was opening the school board to the public, allowing parents and community members more access to the workings of the district. Todd took the time to meet with me, connect, understand our concerns better and help foster larger discussions.
This access allows parents like me to listen and engage on important district issues. I am appreciative of that. I am also appreciative of the service Todd gave to his neighbors. Our BOE members are not highly compensated, nor are they provided with high profile benefits. They are, however, citizens like you and me who have day jobs, families, and old homes to upkeep. They do influence policy but do not oversee every single action of the Superintendent, Principals, Teachers, support staff, or students. They are part of our school system. They are people who care about our kids and our schools, the heart of our community. As such, when you have an opportunity to interact with a BOE member, think of them as your neighbor, giving time and service with the intent to genuinely help.
With Todd’s retirement on 31 Dec 2022, we welcome Debbie DiLorenzo to the board. From what I know she is a long-time community member. I look forward to partnering with her and other members in 2023 and beyond. As you enter the new year, please join me in supporting our new school board by staying engaged. Find a board member to connect with, contact your school’s administrator, engage with your child or grandchild’s teachers. Of course, share your concerns, ask questions, and respectfully challenge what doesn’t seem fair, but also learn. Do your best to understand the circumstances and processes of the business of our schools. Finally, ask if there are needs that you can meet as a citizen. That’s the strength of Oakwood, not just our use of the system, but our contributions to the system, that, in my opinion, is what makes Oakwood unique. That is how we can continue to bring our community together, find common ground on key issues, and create unique solutions that serve everyone. I’m optimistic about the future and the relationship we can cultivate.
Thank you for reading and here’s to a great 2023!
Shaun G. Power
OCSS 