Welcome to week three of remote learning.  I'm not going to lie, I had to look up on the calendar when school started and count to three because I couldn't remember how many weeks ago we started this ride!  Honestly, it has been one continuous ride the  for the Executive Board and I since March 13th. I don't think I'll ever forget March 13th, a Friday of course.  The day that set all of this into motion.  Since then, it has been a blur.  The Officers and I have been working diligently on getting answers, seeking clarification and requesting numerous changes going on six months now.  That will continue as long as it is necessary to make sure your questions and concerns are addressed.  I have been very candid with my answer "I don't know."  I hate using that phrase, but it is often true.  To be honest, it is extremely frustrating as well because if one person is asking, there are probably many more wondering the same thing, and I can't help them.  I continue to remain hopeful that we will continue to be able to make positive adjustments to meet the needs of all staff and students during these trying times. 

I have expressed this on a few video updates, but I think is it extremely important to do it again.  First, I want to acknowledge and thank the Board of Directors.  We typically don't meet in July and with the original school calendar,  we had no meeting scheduled in August.  However, the Board met three times over the summer to help guide the Executive Board and I, and also vote on some key items that couldn't wait until our first meeting on September 15th.  Getting a board together is challenging with little notice, especially one our size.  However, we had excellent participation at all three meetings, and I am truly grateful for that.

Finally, I need to recognize the Executive Board. I often get a lot of the credit for things that happen related to the Union.  My face or signature are usually attached to things as President, but it is very rare that I have crafted anything on my own. I have been supported and work with an incredible team.  Deb, Stacy, Patrick, Gary, Patty, and Stephanie have been incredible during this entire pandemic. From the start of this crisis, all the way back to our first meeting related to this on March 15th, they have been working an enormous amount of hours, meeting with administration routinely, and meeting with me almost daily. They jumped on Zoom to talk things out, sometimes with little notice, they worked on reopening teams or subcommittees, they have worked to address concerns across the district, and helped give me direction for our Union. If you happen to see them on Zoom, at the grocery store, or in your building, do me a favor and thank them.  I can't truly articulate how fortunate we are to have such dedicated officers.  I often get the credit, but it truly belongs to them.