Memorandum of Understanding

Funny...in spite of having spider-crawled all up and down any and every thing related to last year's school closures, just looky at what suddenly turned up; this memorandum dated May 11, 2009, wasn't received by the District until February 25, 2010:

The law of kindness

She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Last night after the Board meeting, I found a quiet moment to sit back and reflect and listen for the voice of God - a foreign concept for so many...but comforting and familiar for me.

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

So, I find myself guided this time to say something nice, and nothing not-so-nice, in order to provide balance to some of the biting criticisms I’ve offered up thus far. I know more about some than others…so if it sounds superficial, it’s not meant to be.

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Charlie Bobbitt – when the schools were being closed, he took it upon himself to actually walk the proposed routes, putting himself in the shoes of the kids – and I thought that was totally awesome; unafraid to be a party of one.

Nick Gledich - such a steady and impressive leader; so approachable by and gracious to the everyday man - the Board worked well together in selecting him, and the District is fortunate to have him.

John Gudvangen – mellifluous: his manner of speaking is so smooth and soothing, I’m sure I could have a cavity filled without need of anesthetic if he were talking to me while it was happening.

Glenn Gustafson – wizard of numbers, architect of words, confident public speaker, seemingly flame-resistant and bullet-proof – I’ve often wondered what his D#11 teachers and classmates thought of him.

Tami Hasling – I love to swim: she swims, and coaches swimming. I bet she’s a great coach, and she makes being blonde look like a lot of fun.

Sandra Mann – I grew up watching her report the news, and she lives on the same street where I was raised. Strikes me as open-minded, curious, candid and genuine.

Bob Null – Old-school, old fashioned, disciplined, conservative, courageous, congenial, straightforward and sincere; in some ways, he reminds me of the late, great Bob Isaac.

Mike Poore – such an energetic, convincing and well-dressed speaker; makes a good first and lasting impression.

Tom Strand - growing up, I always wanted to be an attorney (though I’m glad I’m not one now)…so he gets what-I-wanted-to-be-when-I-grew-up points; understands the complicated written word, and has a perfect voice for radio.

Jan Tanner – when I think about the homespun manner in which she speaks, she reminds me of Sarah Palin. Youthful…and I admire that she’s raced to the top of Pikes Peak many times.

Mary Thurman – driven, determined, prepared and brainy - she knows her stuff.

School District #11 - To wax numerological, it is half of my lucky number 22; my direct family members have attended 5 of its elementary schools, 2 of its middle schools, and one of its high schools – 8, like the legs of a spider. The place where Mrs. Sutton granted me my poetic license; the place where I first made friends and enemies and fell in love. To me, it is synonymous with “Colorado Springs,” and I am easily brought to tears simply by looking at old photos of its schools. I am more than an acquaintance, more than just a friend – it is a part of me, and I of it. I am its grateful offspring, and will always love and revere it with a child’s wonder.