Unity

[sleeplessinnpvl]

I have had quite a "Sleepless" night last night. I found this topic (Improving the District) and realized how sad it is that it has been a month since someone posted on it. There are not near as many threads in this topic as there are in other topics so I thought I would post a new thread to add to this very small section. How sad that we are so busy posting about this third HS that we don't have time to post here.

The division in our district concerns me. That's why I came onto these boards in the first place. And that is ultimately why I pulled out last night. I would like to post one more time as I was a bit emotional yesterday.

I took the time to examine myself. Things are not always black and white, or in the case of the boards, green and blue. I have told some people on this board already in private, but thought I would share this in the open forum because it's helped me see who I am.

I am part green and part blue. I want the third high school built so our kids can have smaller schools and more opportunities (green). I would prefer it at BB (blue) but I don't want the third HS to go away (green). I also don't agree with the SB and their rush (blue). I feel that the place to express your frustration with the board is in the voting booth, not a lawsuit (green)

It's funny that in the midst of all of this division, I have managed to make some unlikely friends. I've had great conversations with some of my ultimate "foes" over here. People who I never thought, in a million years, would PM me and we could have some great conversations. And I've made new friendships with others as well. So I guess some good has come from this.

The reason I am posting here is that I think in order to improve the school district, we have to respect each other and realize not everyone may be all blue or all green. Because ultimately, we are the same -- we all want what is best for our kids.

[overtaxed]

Apr 25, 2008 5:42:36 GMT -6 @sleeplessinnpvl said:

I have had quite a "Sleepless" night last night. I found this topic (Improving the District) and realized how sad it is that it has been a month since someone posted on it. There are not near as many threads in this topic as there are in other topics so I thought I would post a new thread to add to this very small section. How sad that we are so busy posting about this third HS that we don't have time to post here.

The division in our district concerns me. That's why I came onto these boards in the first place. And that is ultimately why I pulled out last night. I would like to post one more time as I was a bit emotional yesterday.

I took the time to examine myself. Things are not always black and white, or in the case of the boards, green and blue. I have told some people on this board already in private, but thought I would share this in the open forum because it's helped me see who I am.

I am part green and part blue. I want the third high school built so our kids can have smaller schools and more opportunities (green). I would prefer it at BB (blue) but I don't want the third HS to go away (green). I also don't agree with the SB and their rush (blue). I feel that the place to express your frustration with the board is in the voting booth, not a lawsuit (green)

It's funny that in the midst of all of this division, I have managed to make some unlikely friends. I've had great conversations with some of my ultimate "foes" over here. People who I never thought, in a million years, would PM me and we could have some great conversations. And I've made new friendships with others as well. So I guess some good has come from this.

The reason I am posting here is that I think in order to improve the school district, we have to respect each other and realize not everyone may be all blue or all green. Because ultimately, we are the same -- we all want what is best for our kids.

Sleepless, Like I said I before I do hope you stay. You are right we all are here for the same reason we all are passionately involved in our children's lives. Education is extremely important to all of us. Yes, we do all want what is best for our children.

[steckmom]

Apr 25, 2008 5:42:36 GMT -6 @sleeplessinnpvl said:

I have had quite a "Sleepless" night last night. I found this topic (Improving the District) and realized how sad it is that it has been a month since someone posted on it. There are not near as many threads in this topic as there are in other topics so I thought I would post a new thread to add to this very small section. How sad that we are so busy posting about this third HS that we don't have time to post here.

The division in our district concerns me. That's why I came onto these boards in the first place. And that is ultimately why I pulled out last night. I would like to post one more time as I was a bit emotional yesterday.

I took the time to examine myself. Things are not always black and white, or in the case of the boards, green and blue. I have told some people on this board already in private, but thought I would share this in the open forum because it's helped me see who I am.

I am part green and part blue. I want the third high school built so our kids can have smaller schools and more opportunities (green). I would prefer it at BB (blue) but I don't want the third HS to go away (green). I also don't agree with the SB and their rush (blue). I feel that the place to express your frustration with the board is in the voting booth, not a lawsuit (green)

It's funny that in the midst of all of this division, I have managed to make some unlikely friends. I've had great conversations with some of my ultimate "foes" over here. People who I never thought, in a million years, would PM me and we could have some great conversations. And I've made new friendships with others as well. So I guess some good has come from this.

The reason I am posting here is that I think in order to improve the school district, we have to respect each other and realize not everyone may be all blue or all green. Because ultimately, we are the same -- we all want what is best for our kids.

I'm blue/green like Sleepless, and I tend to share her views. I have issues both with the SB and NSFOC. Now that the SB is plowing ahead with construction and the NSFOC is plowing ahead with the lawsuit, there is little left for me to do other than focus on making the schools the best experience I can for my kids. While I think that is what we are all trying to do in our own way, IMHO, both the current SB (with the line of thinking that all they do is hunky-dory) and the NSFOC will be the ruin of the district.

Posting (and reading) here or on the green board, just makes me frustrated, because there is so little room to see things other than green and blue. I find that ironic since I believe green/blue probably is the real silent majority (at least of those who are aware.)

So, Sleepless, please don't leave. It's a shame we can't still have one board. But since that isn't going to happen, having you, rural and sushi here keeps things honest. Your infusion of green here is probably a breath of fresh air to many who read but never post, (and the blue posters on the green board are the same.)

[Arch]

That's a very nice post, Sleepless.

[we4]

Apr 25, 2008 7:04:07 GMT -6 @steckmom said:

Apr 25, 2008 5:42:36 GMT -6 @sleeplessinnpvl said:

I have had quite a "Sleepless" night last night. I found this topic (Improving the District) and realized how sad it is that it has been a month since someone posted on it. There are not near as many threads in this topic as there are in other topics so I thought I would post a new thread to add to this very small section. How sad that we are so busy posting about this third HS that we don't have time to post here.

The division in our district concerns me. That's why I came onto these boards in the first place. And that is ultimately why I pulled out last night. I would like to post one more time as I was a bit emotional yesterday.

I took the time to examine myself. Things are not always black and white, or in the case of the boards, green and blue. I have told some people on this board already in private, but thought I would share this in the open forum because it's helped me see who I am.

I am part green and part blue. I want the third high school built so our kids can have smaller schools and more opportunities (green). I would prefer it at BB (blue) but I don't want the third HS to go away (green). I also don't agree with the SB and their rush (blue). I feel that the place to express your frustration with the board is in the voting booth, not a lawsuit (green)

It's funny that in the midst of all of this division, I have managed to make some unlikely friends. I've had great conversations with some of my ultimate "foes" over here. People who I never thought, in a million years, would PM me and we could have some great conversations. And I've made new friendships with others as well. So I guess some good has come from this.

The reason I am posting here is that I think in order to improve the school district, we have to respect each other and realize not everyone may be all blue or all green. Because ultimately, we are the same -- we all want what is best for our kids.

I'm blue/green like Sleepless, and I tend to share her views. I have issues both with the SB and NSFOC. Now that the SB is plowing ahead with construction and the NSFOC is plowing ahead with the lawsuit, there is little left for me to do other than focus on making the schools the best experience I can for my kids. While I think that is what we are all trying to do in our own way, IMHO, both the current SB (with the line of thinking that all they do is hunky-dory) and the NSFOC will be the ruin of the district.

Posting here or on the green board, just makes me frustrated, because there is so little room to see things other than green and blue. I find that ironic since I believe green/blue probably is the real silent majority (at least of those who are aware.)

So, Sleepless, please don't leave. It's a shame we can't still have one board. But since that isn't going to happen, having you, rural and sushi here keeps things honest. Your infusion of green here is probably a breath of fresh air to many who read but never post, (and the blue posters on the green board are the same.)

I am on the same boat.

I also think when people get passionate about things they lose their minds, I know I do. And sometimes with the losing of one's mind, we kind of forget that alot of what people post are their opinions. IMO, I feel one's opinion is their opinion. There is not right or wrong with opinion. I like the color blue (don't read anything into this, I really like blue). I should not be told I am wrong because I like that color. I think sometimes we forget that. Because of this I do not post my views, unless I lose my mind, on this school thing or the school board. My opinion and views have been shot down, so to speak, too many times. I read both boards, will post sometimes on both boards. I do find value on both boards. I will also post this on the other board.

ETA: I mis-typed. I meant to say that my opinion, views and questions have been shot down, so to speak.

[concerned2]

We all share the same goal that we want the best for our kids and their education, we just differ on how to obtain that goal. It is a very passionate subject and sometimes we say things we wish we could take back.

This whole mess has brought the worse in me, sometimes I am soooo angry and it is not my nature. I feel these boards are a great way to express our concerns, just sometimes we get emotional. Why wouldn't we, it is about the kids. Something I think that the SB has forgotten.

[we4]

Apr 25, 2008 7:14:33 GMT -6 we4 said:

I am on the same boat.

I also think when people get passionate about things they lose their minds, I know I do. And sometimes with the losing of one's mind, we kind of forget that alot of what people post are their opinions. IMO, I feel one's opinion is their opinion. There is not right or wrong with opinion. I like the color blue (don't read anything into this, I really like blue). I should not be told I am wrong because I like that color. I think sometimes we forget that. Because of this I do not post my views, unless I lose my mind, on this school thing or the school board. My opinion and views have been shot down, so to speak, too many times. I read both boards, will post sometimes on both boards. I do find value on both boards. I will also post this on the other board.

ETA: I mis-typed. I meant to say that my opinion, views and questions have been shot down, so to speak.

I just went back and re-read my post. It is not my best writing, but I hope the point still comes across. I think I just wanted to get it posted before I changed my mind that I didn't proof read it very well. It made sense in my head, just didn't come out as graceful as I had hoped.

[Arch]

Apr 25, 2008 7:46:31 GMT -6 we4 said:

Apr 25, 2008 7:14:33 GMT -6 we4 said:

I am on the same boat.

I also think when people get passionate about things they lose their minds, I know I do. And sometimes with the losing of one's mind, we kind of forget that alot of what people post are their opinions. IMO, I feel one's opinion is their opinion. There is not right or wrong with opinion. I like the color blue (don't read anything into this, I really like blue). I should not be told I am wrong because I like that color. I think sometimes we forget that. Because of this I do not post my views, unless I lose my mind, on this school thing or the school board. My opinion and views have been shot down, so to speak, too many times. I read both boards, will post sometimes on both boards. I do find value on both boards. I will also post this on the other board.

ETA: I mis-typed. I meant to say that my opinion, views and questions have been shot down, so to speak.

I just went back and re-read my post. It is not my best writing, but I hope the point still comes across. I think I just wanted to get it posted before I changed my mind that I didn't proof read it very well. It made sense in my head, just didn't come out as graceful as I had hoped.

Graceful or not, the meaning was conveyed well.

[snerdley]

Sleepless,

Your note above sounds very heartfelt, and I share many of the same sentiments. But when I read a post of yours from today under the LTE 4/25 thread on the green board, I have to scratch my head.

I won't copy and paste your comments, and I can't comment over there because I am not signed up. But to be honest, I have trouble reconciling what you say one place and say another.

Your post today on the other board seems to follow the same format of blaming "a group of people". Do you mean the people who disagree with our SB? I don't want to jump to conclusions, so I would be interested in a reply.

IMO the SB is squarely to blame for the entire predicament we find ourselves in. I'm not even going to rehash all the reasons I feel that way, but they've been more than expressed many times. There simply is no other avenue for people who disagree with their actions other than the lawsuit. Everything else was tried prior to the filing of the suit. In our country, citizens do have rights. People who feel their rights have been disregarded can take action. This is what has happened. It is an unfortunate situation - I will give you that. But at least the decision will be made by an impartial person based on the rule of law.

I think "who to blame" represents the real divide. Some feel a "small group" of "entitled" "elitist" "prejudiced" people are to blame and others feel this mess was created entirely by the SB.

I think we all in the end want what we feel is best and fair for our children. Maybe we can all just focus on that.

[jftb]

Apr 25, 2008 5:42:36 GMT -6 @sleeplessinnpvl said:

I have had quite a "Sleepless" night last night. I found this topic (Improving the District) and realized how sad it is that it has been a month since someone posted on it. There are not near as many threads in this topic as there are in other topics so I thought I would post a new thread to add to this very small section. How sad that we are so busy posting about this third HS that we don't have time to post here.

The division in our district concerns me. That's why I came onto these boards in the first place. And that is ultimately why I pulled out last night. I would like to post one more time as I was a bit emotional yesterday.

I took the time to examine myself. Things are not always black and white, or in the case of the boards, green and blue. I have told some people on this board already in private, but thought I would share this in the open forum because it's helped me see who I am.

I am part green and part blue. I want the third high school built so our kids can have smaller schools and more opportunities (green). I would prefer it at BB (blue) but I don't want the third HS to go away (green). I also don't agree with the SB and their rush (blue). I feel that the place to express your frustration with the board is in the voting booth, not a lawsuit (green)

It's funny that in the midst of all of this division, I have managed to make some unlikely friends. I've had great conversations with some of my ultimate "foes" over here. People who I never thought, in a million years, would PM me and we could have some great conversations. And I've made new friendships with others as well. So I guess some good has come from this.

The reason I am posting here is that I think in order to improve the school district, we have to respect each other and realize not everyone may be all blue or all green. Because ultimately, we are the same -- we all want what is best for our kids.

Well said.

[rural]

Apr 25, 2008 8:08:27 GMT -6 snerdley said:

Sleepless,

Your note above sounds very heartfelt, and I share many of the same sentiments. But when I read a post of yours from today under the LTE 4/25 thread on the green board, I have to scratch my head.

I won't copy and paste your comments, and I can't comment over there because I am not signed up. But to be honest, I have trouble reconciling what you say one place and say another.

Your post today on the other board seems to follow the same format of blaming "a group of people". Do you mean the people who disagree with our SB? I don't want to jump to conclusions, so I would be interested in a reply.

IMO the SB is squarely to blame for the entire predicament we find ourselves in. I'm not even going to rehash all the reasons I feel that way, but they've been more than expressed many times. There simply is no other avenue for people who disagree with their actions other than the lawsuit. Everything else was tried prior to the filing of the suit. In our country, citizens do have rights. People who feel their rights have been disregarded can take action. This is what has happened. It is an unfortunate situation - I will give you that. But at least the decision will be made by an impartial person based on the rule of law.

I think "who to blame" represents the real divide. Some feel a "small group" of "entitled" "elitist" "prejudiced" people are to blame and others feel this mess was created entirely by the SB.

I think we all in the end want what we feel is best and fair for our children. Maybe we can all just focus on that.

I can't really speak for Sleepless. However, sharing most of her positions in the post, I believe the group of people she is referring to is the group of people suing the District. I, personally, do not take lightly the fact that, as a taxpayer, I am being sued. It pisses me off. What I don't understand is why more people are not appreciating the fact that the situation in this district is now like a dog chasing it's tail.

[slp]

Apr 25, 2008 8:40:58 GMT -6 rural said:

Apr 25, 2008 8:08:27 GMT -6 snerdley said:

Sleepless,

Your note above sounds very heartfelt, and I share many of the same sentiments. But when I read a post of yours from today under the LTE 4/25 thread on the green board, I have to scratch my head.

I won't copy and paste your comments, and I can't comment over there because I am not signed up. But to be honest, I have trouble reconciling what you say one place and say another.

Your post today on the other board seems to follow the same format of blaming "a group of people". Do you mean the people who disagree with our SB? I don't want to jump to conclusions, so I would be interested in a reply.

IMO the SB is squarely to blame for the entire predicament we find ourselves in. I'm not even going to rehash all the reasons I feel that way, but they've been more than expressed many times. There simply is no other avenue for people who disagree with their actions other than the lawsuit. Everything else was tried prior to the filing of the suit. In our country, citizens do have rights. People who feel their rights have been disregarded can take action. This is what has happened. It is an unfortunate situation - I will give you that. But at least the decision will be made by an impartial person based on the rule of law.

I think "who to blame" represents the real divide. Some feel a "small group" of "entitled" "elitist" "prejudiced" people are to blame and others feel this mess was created entirely by the SB.

I think we all in the end want what we feel is best and fair for our children. Maybe we can all just focus on that.

I can't really speak for Sleepless. However, sharing most of her positions in the post, I believe the group of people she is referring to is the group of people suing the District. I, personally, do not take lightly the fact that, as a taxpayer, I am being sued. It pisses me off. What I don't understand is why more people are not appreciating the fact that the situation in this district is now like a dog chasing it's tail.

I don't take lightly the fact that our school board will use $150 million to build a high school and yet our taxes may skyrocket even higher after damage awards are determined for the debacle with BB. Add to that the effect on our taxes and our district's reputation if ANYONE sues the district for what they perceive are health issues related to EMF or other hazards at the Eola site.

I am very fearful that the amount of our tax increase which was told to us during the referendum will pale in comparison to what it will become years down the road. I don't take that lightly.

[Arch]

Apr 25, 2008 8:48:32 GMT -6 slp said:

I don't take lightly the fact that our school board will use $150 million to build a high school and yet our taxes may skyrocket even higher after damage awards are determined for the debacle with BB. Add to that the effect on our taxes and our district's reputation if ANYONE sues the district for what they perceive are health issues related to EMF or other hazards at the Eola site.

This is the perpetual cash cow (for lawyers) I warned them about on January 14th in email if they were to approve the site.

We are at 3 before we ever owned the land. Off to an awesome start.

[rural]

Apr 25, 2008 8:48:32 GMT -6 slp said:

Apr 25, 2008 8:40:58 GMT -6 rural said:

I can't really speak for Sleepless. However, sharing most of her positions in the post, I believe the group of people she is referring to is the group of people suing the District. I, personally, do not take lightly the fact that, as a taxpayer, I am being sued. It pisses me off. What I don't understand is why more people are not appreciating the fact that the situation in this district is now like a dog chasing it's tail.

I don't take lightly the fact that our school board will use $150 million to build a high school and yet our taxes may skyrocket even higher after damage awards are determined for the debacle with BB. Add to that the effect on our taxes and our district's reputation if ANYONE sues the district for what they perceive are health issues related to EMF or other hazards at the Eola site.

I am very fearful that the amount of our tax increase which was told to us during the referendum will pale in comparison to what it will become years down the road. I don't take that lightly.

Has anyone sued the pairie path? It's been right next to the powerlines/pipelines/MWGEN site for longer than I've been here. I haven't heard of any complaints of illness as a result of using the prairie path, but thousands of people do use it each year. Your fears are unfounded and may possibly be the result of being bombarded with worse case scenario thinking.

This is just my opinion, I know there are many, many, many, others on the site who have opposing views, and I'm sure we'll be hearing from them soon.

[snerdley]

Apr 25, 2008 8:40:58 GMT -6 rural said:

Apr 25, 2008 8:08:27 GMT -6 snerdley said:

Sleepless,

Your note above sounds very heartfelt, and I share many of the same sentiments. But when I read a post of yours from today under the LTE 4/25 thread on the green board, I have to scratch my head.

I won't copy and paste your comments, and I can't comment over there because I am not signed up. But to be honest, I have trouble reconciling what you say one place and say another.

Your post today on the other board seems to follow the same format of blaming "a group of people". Do you mean the people who disagree with our SB? I don't want to jump to conclusions, so I would be interested in a reply.

IMO the SB is squarely to blame for the entire predicament we find ourselves in. I'm not even going to rehash all the reasons I feel that way, but they've been more than expressed many times. There simply is no other avenue for people who disagree with their actions other than the lawsuit. Everything else was tried prior to the filing of the suit. In our country, citizens do have rights. People who feel their rights have been disregarded can take action. This is what has happened. It is an unfortunate situation - I will give you that. But at least the decision will be made by an impartial person based on the rule of law.

I think "who to blame" represents the real divide. Some feel a "small group" of "entitled" "elitist" "prejudiced" people are to blame and others feel this mess was created entirely by the SB.

I think we all in the end want what we feel is best and fair for our children. Maybe we can all just focus on that.

I can't really speak for Sleepless. However, sharing most of her positions in the post, I believe the group of people she is referring to is the group of people suing the District. I, personally, do not take lightly the fact that, as a taxpayer, I am being sued. It pisses me off. What I don't understand is why more people are not appreciating the fact that the situation in this district is now like a dog chasing it's tail.

IMO, the SB has chased it's tail for years now. If we all knew the amount of money they have spent on this debacle it would probably "curl our hair" - or was it ears?

They told the voters they could afford BB but then ran, not walked away, and purchased a site with multiple concerns in a mad rush.

I think people have every right to be concerned with their actions.