Speed Gibson

Previously: 1

It is late April. The Gopherville School Board is in session. The chair Virgil F. Thompson, 61, was the local District Court justice, now retired. Mrs. Bea Sorenson is the Clerk and Mr. Sam Dodsworth is the Treasurer. Mr. Charles "Champ" Perry is the Vice Chair. Mrs. Carol Warren was just elected this term. Her husband, a decorated Marine, and Gopherville's elder science teacher Leonard passed away unexpectedly two years ago. She ran for the Board, in his name and to stay connected with the school system they both loved.

"Item 5A is next," said Thompson. "Mrs. Warren?"

"Thank you, Judge," she began. "You all have copies of my report and my recommendation. For the benefit of those here, I am recommending that we let our membership in the Greater Minnesota School District Association lapse. Normally, we would renew this on June 1st, with dues assessed and paid by September 1st."

"We began this inquiry shortly after attending the GMSDA Quarterly meeting this past February. We all attended since it was close by in Zenith. I think it's fair to say that we were all disappointed, that what Vice Chair Perry had observed appeared to be true. The GMSDA is basically a lobbying organization. Its other offerings are minor and not of any real value, at least not to our District. It also seems apparent that they favor further consolidation of rural districts, merging with Zenith in our case. I find no support for that position on this board or in the community, yet the GMSDA is resisting making any exceptions to their position."

"I therefore move that we not renew our membership in the Greater Minnesota School District Association." Champ Perry quickly seconded and the Chair invited discussion which made it clear that only Bea Sorenson seemed reluctant.

"Mr. Chair, may we be heard?" asked the now standing James Lefferts, Executive Director of the GMSDA. Beside him, also now standing, was Ruth Chatterton, president of the local teachers union.

"Mr. Lefferts, I believe you had your turn when you met with us, what, ten days ago?"

"You weren't able to be there, Judge. This is an important decision and I wanted to be sure you fully understood our organization, our mission, and our commitment to helping our membership take on the increasingly difficult changes facing public education in Greater Minnesota." Champ Perry made no effort to conceal a small, well-timed yawn.

"You read Mrs. Warren's report. We've all read your response. But without objection," said Thompson, looking side to side. "Without objection, we can spare you two minutes. So make it count and stay on point."

"That's all I need, Mr. Chairman." He needed much more than that and he knew it. He had to at least make the effort to show the other member districts that he had made every effort, and Judge Thompson knew it.

When Lefferts was done, Thompson asked if Ms. Chatterton wanted to speak.

"Thank you, Judge, I do, and I also will be brief. We can disagree on their other roles, but I think we should all agree on the need for all the lobbying we can get. This is sending the wrong message." She paused. "In theory we shouldn't have to lobby. But we do, and that's a big part of what GMSDA has always done for us. I don't see how less is more here. We understand your concerns, and I'm sure everyone appreciates your fiscal discipline. But unless you're going to replace Jim's group with some other group or change, well, I,." She paused again. "Look, it looks like this decision is already made. Fine, it's your call. Let's see what happens. But will you at least agree to revisit this next year, based on what indeed happens?"

"That seems reasonable, Ruth, and thank you for understanding," said Thompson. "The Chair would entertain a friendly amendment to that effect. And Ruth, I'll charge you with reminding us next year!"

The amended resolution passed unanimously.