I write this commentary to provide a look into the realities of becoming a MSAD 31 school board member and hope this insight may change a few minds about my colleagues and me. I have stood silently as the events unfolding within our communities challenge relationships and I feel compelled to put some things to paper.

Many years of thought and consideration went into my decision to become a board member and, much to my family’s objection, I took that leap of faith to do something wholesome for the community. The driving force behind that willingness to participate was, in fact, the teachings and civic duties instilled in me by this very district. Now I ask, in light of recent publicity and public opinion, is this position worth the aggravation of not being able to defend myself or do the work I was elected to do?

Some of the board’s hardest lessons are quickly learned when one accepts the seat. Effective board service means holding the minority viewpoint when voting on hard issues and supporting the majority when it fails. The primary focus of all board decisions must be student achievement and one must represent all students. Decisions must be made in the interest of the total school community and not swayed by a large interest. One must learn to acknowledge publicly the lack of power as an individual board member, because only the whole board can make decisions for the school district. One must recognize the difference between setting policies, which is the board’s job, and administering the schools, the superintendent’s job.

In the year I have been on the board, I have learned to question and check carefully all information being shared with me. I have learned not to take things at face value and that just because it appears on the 6 o’clock news does not mean it is the truth.

Perhaps the hardest thing I have learned is that someone can damage your character and make assumptions about your colleagues’ work, when they themselves have not taken the time to work to remedy the problem. I also find it ironic that with so many local seats available for candidates to serve, not many have signed up to run.

The press and whispers of Augusta have stated we will not be getting our high school. The school board is willing to continue this fight, but in which direction? The board members ask themselves, what do my taxpayers want? Can we afford this if the local job market continues to vanish? How will this affect the staff who so diligently dedicated their lives to this district? How will this affect all students in MSAD 31? We are charged as elected officials to do one thing above all else: to provide the best educational advantages to all students under Maine law.

We have the ability to do something great. During this time of uncertainly, I would like the town that elected me to know that I am proud to have served with fine and hard-working colleagues who have chosen a high road and look to build a better tomorrow for MSAD 31. I am equally proud to call them friends.

Shelly Crosby, of Passadumkeag, is a SAD 31 board member.