I have several different topics in this blog, all with their own importance ...
First Blog:
THANK YOU! Thank you for getting this referendum passed !!!
Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The referendum finally passed! It passed because we finally got the message across! A message that could be accepted! There have been extraordinary efforts by several community members and BOE and the Interim Superintendent. This campaign was modern, targeted and understandable, no posturing or falsehoods, straight fact, and it made a difference! Citizens like Dave Sarnoff, Holly Morell, Howard Pearl, PTA leaders and many more have been part of the referendum push for several years now. This must be a great relief and a bittersweet accomplishment. Thank you for your commitment to our children and your tenacity in some tough times! I remember the phone banks, stuffing envelopes and standing in the cold passing out cards. So thank you!
The newer supporters need a shout out too. Thank you to the Homeowners Association Board, and Christina Yoo, leaders of KPAC, you have been the bridge for communication into parts of the community that resisted the prior referendum. Opening the door to these groups had a direct effect for the 2012 referendum’s success.
Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Second Blog:
Location: Borough Hall, for the referendum results
There were quite a few citizens that came out to hear the reading of the results of the referendum. It resembled a BOE meeting audience. Seven of the BOE members cared enough to come out, but two did not. I find this appalling and demonstrative of the minimal commitment these two particular members are willing to make.
In all reasonability, show up at 9:15 p.m., and you would be sitting home again by 9:45. Have you no pride or honor of position?
This is a new level of neglect of elected position and a blatant act of dishonoring that position, your fellow members, the school district and the greater community.
Unacceptable! Dishonorable to your position, name and community!
Third Blog:
Tuesday night I had a moment: a moment that you remember and learn from; one that kind of stops you in mid-step and says something so pure of heart, so sincere, that you feel like you just got a glimpse of their soul and the piece that makes you understand what it is that keeps them going, what makes them who they are--the kind that makes you unsure about what you are supposed to do, or say, and a little embarrassed.
It was with Mr. Engravalle, and all of you know that I believe that he is the professional we need here. Many times I have asked him why he wants to be here juggling all the problems in this district. He is so young, energetic and well educated; why here? He would laugh it off or maybe even think I was testing him, but I got the real answer last night. At least for me it was the authentic reason why he is in education.
There was a lot of happiness, excitement and congratulations all around the reception area of Borough Hall, handshakes, hugs, jokes, laughter and relief. It was fun and jovial.
"Yay! Yay! The referendum passed!"
I said something like this, and it was several minutes into the celebration:
"Congratulations, Steve. You lead a significant campaign and were able to crack a nut that seemed impossible to do. You did it! Thank you!"
His response should have been just a quick "thanks" or a simple acknowledgement matching what everyone else was doing. Instead, it was from the heart. It was sincere and genuine, almost paternal or grandfatherly.
He said, “Thank you for that, but it’s bigger for the children of Fort Lee.”
Hmmmmm, what do you know? He may have been the only person in the room at that moment thinking about the kids and how good this will be for them. It was clear that his focus right up until that point had been about doing what he could for our kids-and still is at that point of the celebration. He might be a little embarrassed that I am blogging about it (hell, I am a bit embarrassed), but it was worth sharing; people need to know. Now I do not have to ever ask again why he wants to do the job of superintendent here.
He is here for the children.
