We received this open letter from a school board member. Thank you for speaking up, Lori Blake!
An open letter to our governor,
Like you, I am a lifelong resident of Kansas, an elected leader, and a devoted spouse and parent. My career and various responsibilities fill each day but, like you, I balance all of these responsibilities with my most important job of growing a family rooted in God’s love.
As I awaken each morning and read my devotional and then the daily news, I look for hope. I write this point to you, Governor, because I know you are a man of faith and because of that common bond, I have hope…I do find hope from God but when I read the news from Topeka, I am not filled with the same spirit, but rather despair about the leadership of our state, starting with you.
When reflecting on the week, I am struck by the many articles written about our state’s affairs. Three headlines in particular have stayed with me. Your continued denial that the change in tax policy was too much, too soon in a recovering economy; your ongoing battle with the courts regarding the school finance formula; and your executive order to remove human rights and enforce blatant discrimination with our state employees are at the front of my mind…
As a fellow elected official having served 7 years on my local school board, I recognize the need for dialogue and have the integrity to admit when I have been wrong. We, as leaders, are most effective when trust is established. When we enter thoughtful, respectful dialogue, the group mind prevails and decisions for the greater good occur IF no preconceived outcomes are embedded in our minds. This leadership is what I strive for and the development of mutual respect is something I have yet to experience from your office in regards to the work with which school boards are charged.
There are 286 districts in communities across our fields of waving wheat, flint hills and prairies. There 7 elected officials on each one of those boards (with the exception of one district) making decisions about how to spend their local dollars to best meet the students’ needs who enter their classrooms each day. There are administrators who have risen to the top of their field providing leadership and vision to thousands of teachers who want to ignite passion in those minds they meet each day. And all indication from what I read is that the Senate is working with your office to create division and chaos in the system through filtered research and ignoring public testimony.
The majority of these educators are rooted right here in Kansas. They were born here and got their education here in Kansas public schools. They want to continue that tradition for their families. The best way for that to happen is through local control.
Our board recently learned from a failed bond issue, that there wasn’t mutual trust or respect about our facility needs. We’ve mourned and talked and are healing through open, transparent dialogue. We are working together towards a solution for our kids. Accepting our part in the failure is key to that movement.
Approximately 25% of the registered voters of Kansas elected you. They were the ones who cared enough to show up. What about the other 75%? Do you want your legacy to be that of closed door deceptions or to make the greatest apology to the people of Kansas and restore hope to our land? Who is the captain of your soul?
Your leadership is not shooting us to the stars as our state motto boasts, but rather on the contrary, creating much difficulty. I am most sincerely hoping to work together to find solutions where the legacy of excellent education, justice and prosperity returns, where students and teachers from all backgrounds are back at the heart of each decision made and that we have holy, honorable officials who will do what is right.
With great hope,
Lori C. Blake