Last night my wife and I stayed up until 1:00am (so excuse my grammatical errors) listening to a school board meeting as the school was voting on Brick and Mortar, face to face, or virtual learning. We heard from parents, teachers, community members, the administration, and the board. The thoughts and opinions of people were so different from one another. The stories on both sides were heart wrenching.
THESE ARE DIFFICULT DAYS.
We listened to the board debate back and forth. They gave passionate speeches hoping to be heard. The decision was tight and leaning one direction. More passionate conversation and frustration. One man said something like this “I know I have said “this” and some will say I am wishy washy, I will offend some and I am sorry, but I have been sitting here and I have been praying. I have decided to follow my heart and I am sorry but I must change my vote.”
You could hear the struggle in this mans voice. You could hear the tension. These people understood the impact their decision was making. No matter what, people are going to disagree with the outcome. This man chose to follow his heart and then something remarkable happened.
THIS is my prayer for our county, nation and world.
The superintendent said something like this: “It sounds like my recommendation is going to be overturned, I understand your perspectives! Be aware of the red flags that I have given, be aware of the risk, be patient with us as we navigate forward, support us, and our team will do our best to move forward with your decision.” Board members then stepped up and essentially told one another even though we disagree we will support the decision that has been made. Those whose vote won, said we heard you and will work together to come up with solutions for the issues that have been addressed! I ended up falling asleep, so I didn’t hear it all, but what I heard is EXACTLY what our nation and world needs. People willing to LISTEN and STAND together despite differences of opinion.
Dallastown School Board “we may not agree, but I will support you!” Thank you for being leaders in a difficult day. Dr Doll I applaud your humility and strong leadership presence that is willing to lead and take on a challenge that has been given to you despite your strong recommendation, the other direction. I hope my kids will one day be able to lead like that!
Dallastown BOARD: Thank you for teaching our COMMUNITY that decisions are not easy, lives will be impacted, but together we can choose to move forward into the wild unknown, with hope!
Together we are STRONGER!
