Previous Next
PDF Originals:
From: Megan Turnbull To: Rhoades Alderson, Henry Brackett, Jocelyn O'Quinn, Arthur "Skip" Handson Subject: Op/Ed and article today - further guidance requested Hi Rhoades, Here is a damaging Op/Ed for the board in the paper today: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110617/GJOPINION_01/706179993/-1/FOSOPINION Also, here is an article. I am concerned that the superintendent alluded to knowing this was being worked on for over a month. This is damaging to the board http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110617/GJNEWS_01/706179945 The fact is the agreement is not effective until June 20, after the seven day period. Also, we cannot divulge anything about it. This is tough. Also folks have a complete misunderstanding of the cost. The cost is well below the figures being thrown around (est. $185K including attorney fees). I was called by a reporter and did call back. I said simply that I can only read statements from our joint press release. Henry did the same and forwarded the release itself to the papers. Any guidance on how to handle any of this? I expect there may be more negative editorials, but perhaps we can ask fiendlies to write positive ones. As a mini-PR campaign, I am trying to reach out to folks whom I know personally and have expressed concerns about the board's actions. I am telling them that the entire board has changed and that in order to do the good work we want to do (e.g., strategic plan, long range goals, setting up key performance indicators, etc.), change is inevitable. I have also come to an important realization. Many people did not follow the school board in the past and were not aware of the severe problems in the district. Those of us who knew, ran for board and/or supported candidates who understood these issues. So, for many, it is a true shock and surprise. We need to address this point in our disucssions with the press and others in the community. On a positive note, I have received many thanks as well for our actions. Thanks, Megan