Every day is a whirlwind in this new gig and it’s one of those “I don’t know where to begin” moments.  It’s important that I not just let you know what I’m doing, but also to slow down and reflect on what I’ve learned.  On top of that, there’s a whole campaign I have to worry about (vote for me on May 21st!) that I’ve been neglecting because of my Board duties.

But “duties” is an odd word, because we are talking about how I define it.  Technically, I could just not think about the job until the next meeting, or could spend all of my free time researching and learning and prepping action.  Or some could strike a balance.  Guess where I fall?

I’m getting comfortable with what I know, but am not sure how to react to it all.

Sometimes, easy things are hard.  And so I sometimes worry how the hard things will go.  But the more I get a handle on how things work, the more I feel confident that my fellow directors and I can affect positive change, especially with Dr. Finan’s guidance.

Chris Kelly spoke to me twice this week.  It seems he called me the first time because I’ve been running toward the Board for years while so many have run away.  I told him that I could completely understand why people aren’t interesting in running.  I walked in knowing it was a garbage fire.  It’s actually a garbage fire to the tenth power.

The good news is that I have a lot of faith in Dr. Finan.  My conversations with her have been both heartening and productive.  So don’t abandon all hope, ye who enter here.  Just… cautiously chill alongside hope and beg it to stick with you.  That’s what I’m doing.

The second time he called me was to discuss the BUS CONTRACT!  Sorry for not leading with this, since it is really big and really welcome news.  According to Auditor General DePasquale, the Board can cancel the bus contract.  Awesome.  We’ll follow the law, then put it out to bid and save money.  I’m not sure what the budget shortfall will end up being this year, but this will help to plug the gap.

For those who are interested, the AG’s report is here.  I’ve read it and need to parse it out a bit more, but I love that it talks about restoring cuts to libraries and the arts.  This is a priority for me.  It also mentions preserving the pre-K program, another of my priorities.  The provision about electronic record-keeping is huge, and a no-brainer.  I can’t believe I’m getting information VIA COURIER in 2019.  E-mail is fine!  So let’s try to get out of the late 1800s.  There’s a lot more gold in the report than what’s highlighted here, but this is some of what jumps out.

Lastly, there’s a lot of reflecting that I find myself doing.  It’s how I organize my thoughts and evolve.  I’ve reflected most on how to handle these responsibilities with the responsibility of having a family to care for.

On that note, yesterday, Sunday, I spent the day watching my son so my wife could accomplish some goals she’s had.  It was a welcome and beautiful day, because I’ve seen him so little since this odyssey began.  And this past Saturday, my wife and I went to the Society of Irish Women’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner.  It was a wonderful date, and it’s nice to be able to do these things together.  Much needed.

So I’m trying to strike the balance.  I’ll get there.