My Integrity

Last night I had the unpleasant experience of a disagreement with another member of the Board. I was accused of only volunteering for things that benefit my children. I will not degrade myself by telling this person exactly what they can do with themselves, but I will explain to anyone who heard my opinion on that statement.

I work hard in life – a lesson learned from my parents. I am blessed to say I have never been unemployed since I began working when I was in college. I work hard at my job, I work hard at my family life, and I work hard for the causes I volunteer for. One of the areas I chose to volunteer for is the Board of Education. I did not do it to benefit my children – I did it because I believe I can make a positive impact on the lives of the children in our township.

The area that I most recently volunteered for is the calendar committee. I jumped at the chance to volunteer for this committee – there have been things on the calendar that have been little pet peeves of mine for years. Do any of these things really affect my children anymore – absolutely not. I am lucky to be working for an employer that not only allows me to flex my hours but also to work from home when needed. I do remember the hardship of working full time for a company that was not flexible and having two young children in school. I remember the panic that would set in around teacher’s conferences when I could have 2 weeks of half days back to back to worry about. I remember the sick feeling when the phone would ring with a snow day. I remember worrying about losing my job because I had to care for my children – not something any parent should have to worry about.

So – I volunteered for the calendar committee. For the little changes that could be made to the calendar that might make life just a little easier on a working parent. It might not affect me anymore – but it does many in the township – and it is an area where I think my opinion could help out.

Being on the Board of Education is an unpaid job that calls for countless hours each month. Unfortunately it also subjects some of us to have our integrity called in to question – which is appalling. There are some who want nothing more than to make accusations and insinuations of a group of honest, hard working people who are trying to help their community. The next time you hear an accusation – think hard about what the motive behind it might be.