Just six short months ago I took my seat on the Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board of Education. During the campaign and shortly after the election a number of people asked if I realized what I had signed up to do. Others told me it is a thankless job.

I am writing to say that I truly had no idea what I had signed up to do and it most certainly is NOT a thankless job. Yes, there are times when one or two of our staff have betrayed our trust. Yes, education is a difficult job and District 51 continues to work at getting it all right. Still, this is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

I need to thank my fellow board members; each of them is absolutely committed to supporting our public schools and every student. Thank you to our district administrative team for all the time they have spent answering questions; helping the board function effectively. Thank you to all the staff including Dr. Tim Mills and every single person who works for District 51. These people are some of the finest I have ever known. They truly work with our students from the perspective of caring about each child.

Being able to attend all of the high school graduations and to look into the faces of these young people has been a privilege. Stories about some of the special students have been told in the newspaper. As I greeted the graduates I saw a special story in every single face. Each student has a unique story to tell. I must say that the staff of this school district recognizes the special qualities of each and works with every student to meet their individual needs.

At graduation I saw one example after another of unconditional love for students by teachers, counselors and principals. It was as if every graduate is their own child. These people are truly doing the most important work. Thank you to all of them.

No, this is not a thankless job. Working with this school district and seeing these young adults as they graduate makes every hour worth it. Thank you so much for the privilege of serving on the Board of Education.

DIANN RICE
School District 51
Board of Education
Fruita

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 at 11:16 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.