Pavesich: 'I Have Serious Questions About Your Character, Bill'

I am uneasy about this nomination, and I would be negligent as a board member if I did not voice my concerns. In the interest of full disclosure, there are things about Member White that this board and the public should be aware of.

The ability to communicate is a very important quality for the board president. Member White, as treasurer for incoming members Davenport and Matune, stressed the need for civility and open communication. Two qualities, I am sure we would all agree, are important for a board president to have.

I have served on this board for six years. In 2009, you ran on my slate. In the two years that I have known and served with you, you have initiated less than a handful of conversations with me. I believe in this case at least a brief phone call would have been appropriate. It is hardly in the spirit of civility and communication to begin a presidency when you don't even feel the need to talk to your fellow board members.

I'd like to add, here, that even though President Beckman campaigned against one of the current board members, once elected, she diligently included the board member on all communications.

The office of president is a very important position. Not only for us, but the district. This is a school board, and it is a vital service that we provide to our community. It's not a game. It shouldn't feel like a season of "Survivor." We shouldn't have to constantly be showing our alliances. I know mine are with our students and constituents. Where are yours? What are your priorities? Based on what I've seen so far, it's neither the civility nor the communication you tout.

The board president needs to be trusted, honest and have the ability to listen. Without these, the president and the board will not be taken seriously. This will cause more disgruntled constituents to come forward.

This will be a major change from our previous board officers that have all of these virtues and has represented this district with style and grace. We should, as a board, strive to move forward, not backward.

I have serious questions about your character, Bill. You have proven with your previous actions during difficult decision-making—and yes, I'm talking about the Klamm vote—that you have taken the politically expedient way out, and did not vote in the best interest of the district.

In the difficult days before the Klamm vote, your fellow board members understood your position to be the same as the majority. You were also given the task to speak on the board's behalf to members of the community. You waffled and didn't get the job done. And, then, you lied to your fellow board members and cast a different voted than the one you said you would make. You have told us since then that you believed the correct outcome happened, and that you simply couldn't vote that way because of political pressure.

When the tough decision has to be made you are obviously easily swayed by political pressure. I ask the rest of the board: Do you want this type of person as your board president? One that doesn't seem to have the interest of students, taxpayers, faculty, or administration at heart when the going gets tough?

Because of these important issues I ask the rest of the board to give up alliances and promised future votes; to vote for the future of our district by not voting for Bill White.

Regardless of the outcome, I look forward to working with all board members, as I have for the last six years.