KATHY SWAN RESIGNATION STATEMENT

To the Citizens of Cape Girardeau:

Due to differing educational philosophies, I am compelled to resign from the Cape Girardeau Board of Education, effective immediately. It has become glaringly apparent that the philosophies of the new Board are in direct conflict with the Board's adopted mission statement. The new Board officers have merely scoffed at Dr. Ruopp's and my recent sincere, genuine efforts to call a truce, set differences aside, and make a commitment to work together for the betterment of this school district and community. On Sunday, the new Board President indicated that his priority should be the community. The new Vice-President continues to prove that his only interest is in teacher salary increases and teacher benefit packages. Is there a place and time for the students on the personal agendas of this Board?

What about ethics? I am appalled at their willingness to base decisions on hearsay, rumor, and a lack of information. Recently, it has also become apparent that the new officers' lack of adherence to board policy on board member ethics and behavior is exceeded only by their lack of knowledge of the existence of such policies. The primary role of a Board of Education involves policy-making; and, it behooves the members to educate themselves on their role as a Board, on existing policies, and on the law. It is extremely difficult to play by the rules when members doesn't know they exist.

It appears that this Board plans to base its decision-making on politics. Being able to accomplish anything positive while working with an inexperienced group of individuals whose priority is their own public image would be impossible. While this Board is preening and courting the news media, who will be caring for the students? School districts must be run by school boards, not by newspaper editorial boards!

It has been said recently that it is not possible to make the right decision in this town and be accepted by the community or by the newspaper. School boards also cannot be run by special interest groups. The problems over the last year have had nothing to do with students or even with graduation. They have been created by an unhappy, negative school patron bent on vindicating a friend, employed by the district, who encountered difficulties with administration. She and her special interest group repeatedly misrepresented their motives to our community. Our local newspaper chose to assist in the effort by fueling her multiple fires. When the smoke settles, will we be a better school district for it? Will the Board be more knowledgeable and more focused on educational issues? Will we be a better community for it? But, most importantly, will our children be better for it? Our children had nothing to do with this and they are the ones who will suffer--so sad.

Public education is in serious trouble nationwide. Highly educated professionals are dictated to by lay boards of education, most of which do not have a clue as how to govern or what their role should be. Many are elected with personal agendas and refuse to see the "big picture" with an open mind. Turnover among school board members and superintendents is at a record high level.

As a result, there is a lack of continuity in leadership and direction.

I am appreciative to this community for giving me the opportunity to serve this district and have reaped many rewards. I have been fortunate to have been able to work with some of the finest professionals in education and business that our community has to offer. However, some frustration also accompanies the rewards. There is a frustration of knowing while contributing to sound, just, equitable decision-making, that criticism will follow from those who do not understand or who refuse to understand. I had such great hopes that we could put all the negative behind us and work together for a better future for the children and for our community.

Dr. Ruopp's and my recent recommendation to Dr. Fox was that this Board resurrect and redesign portions of the Project Partnership committees to continue the long-range planning process that was begun in 1991. In addition, the planning process for a public relations/communications program must be instituted immediately. Both of these projects will require Board commitment and vast community input. Time is needed to heal the wounds that have been suffered by us all.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff, and I cherish their many friendships. The rewarding experiences that I have had while playing an active role in education in our community, with the Regional School Board Association Executive Committee, and on a state level with Missouri School Board Association are unparalleled. The knowledge gained through the MSBA Certified Board Member program and through the Advanced Board Member Certification program provided me with the insight needed to make informed, intelligent decisions regarding the educational welfare of the students of this district. I began and will leave service on this board as a student advocate and am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve and represent our district.

My time will be best spent with and appreciated by my own business, my employees, my friends, many other volunteer activities, and with my family, all of whom I have neglected. I will continue to work as an advocate for education in this community--I have simply changed hats....