Elected. Now what?
Dear Neighbors,
It has been one week since Election Day, and I am humbled and grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me through their votes, volunteerism, honest conversations and campaign donations. Special thanks to those who offered their condolences when I came in second place . . .
Thankfully, there were three positions available and the top three candidates were elected, so I am now officially a Euclid Board of Education Member, Elect.
Thanks, also, to the poll workers, volunteers and candidates who stayed busy from the dawn to dusk in support of the democratic process. I had the pleasure of greeting voters alongside city council candidates, friends, and Euclid residents like Ms. Johnson who was handing out literature for Congresswoman Elect Shontel Brown.
The day after the election, I woke up (exhausted) to more than 60 unanswered text messages. I poured some coffee, sent the kids off to school, and then went right back to bed, where I stayed until my phone rang. Superintendent Chris Papouras was calling with congratulations and an invitation to attend the upcoming Ohio School Board Association statewide conference . . . starting in just four days!
Yep. I was elected on Tuesday, and I was headed to Columbus by Sunday morning, the first day of a statewide education leaders conference. As I type this, I’m waiting for my last workshop to start (Relationship Builders: Strengthening School & Community Connections) before heading back to Cleveland and hibernating for a few days.
The superintendent, treasurer, and current school board members are here too, so I’ve spent the last few days learning as much as I can about my colleagues and my new role. I’ve also spent a lot of time with Selina Wright, my fellow Board of Education Member, Elect — a social work supervisor with Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services. We’ve shared stories about the challenges of running a campaign, working motherhood, and the social work values that will guide our work together.
Improved communication? Let’s get started.
Social emotional learning and mental health advocacy? Yes, please.
Confidentiality? No problem, we can totally do that.
Racial equity work? Yep, we are both committed.
Community and parent engagement? We are here for that.
Yes, we have a lot of work ahead of us. If this conference has confirmed anything for me, it’s that the work of transforming public education is a marathon, not a sprint. There are alot of simple things we can do, starting now, to help working toward the goals outlined above. And I am confident that our newly elected board will be well-positioned to make meaningful progress for Euclid families and the community.
As I learn, I will continue to share that learning with you — not in an official capacity, but as a parent and community member who believes that collaboration and communication are key to our success.
Thank you, again. Stay tuned for updates along the way! — Pam