LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Appreciate school boards
Editor: School board members are ordinary people who have an
extraordinary dedication to our public schools. What better time to
thank our board members for the countless hours they dedicate to
our 750 students than this January during School Board Recognition
Month?
Too often we forget the personal sacrifices our board members
routinely make, along with the valuable role they play in the local
governance of our public schools. It’s one of the most important
elected positions; yet, it can be a thankless job. What would our
schools look like if local education issues weren’t in the hands of
local officials who know our communities best?
Let’s make sure that the hard work our school board members have
put in over the past years is recognized and rewarded. January is a
time to show our appreciation and better understand how our board
members work together to provide leadership for our schools.
The Sebastopol Union School District board works closely with
parents, education professionals and community members to drive a
vision that leads our students to success. The board formulates
goals, defines results and sets the course of the educational
program for our schoolchildren. School boards are also responsible
for assuring the public that education funding is allocated to
appropriate programs and resources.
Our schools continue to feel the burden of California’s budget
crises, which have reduced education funding by nearly $18 billion
in the past two years. With these draconian cuts, our school board
is responsible for making tough decisions on complex education
issues that affect our community as a whole. It is a challenging
position to hold during these difficult economic times.
This January, take a moment to salute the men and women who
provide grassroots governance for our local public schools. Make a
special effort to tell each school board member that his or her
hard work has been noticed and is very much appreciated.
Liz Schott
Superintendent
Sebastopol Union School District
Realistic outlook
Editor: Thank you to the many members of the community who have
expressed their support to me concerning the recent council
selection of vice mayor. Please know that I am not disappointed,
but quite realistic. I stand by the politicial choices that I have
made.
I will continue to work for you, listen to your ideas and
suggestions, and support the volunteer efforts that help improve
the community. Have a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New
Year.
Kathleen Shaffer
Sebastopol Councilmember
Not a team player
Editor: I can imagine Councilmember Shaffer feels disappointed
at being passed over for vice mayor of Sebastopol. I can also
imagine that she is disappointed that two of the three candidates
she actively supported, endorsed, and walked around town for failed
to get elected. Had Shaffer’s candidates won, she surely would have
been elected mayor.
Kathleen Shaffer could have chosen to endorse and support
incumbent Gurney. Let us remember Gurney endorsed Shaffer two years
ago. Shaffer’s support of Basso, Slayter and Shea displayed her
remarkable inability to support and work with her colleagues.
Shaffer’s own conduct makes it appear that she herself is not a
team player, as a good functional councilmember should be.
Critics of the election of Guy Wilson as Mayor, Michael Kyes as
vice mayor, and Patrick Slayter as CDA vice chair use divisive
terms like “petty” and “personal revenge” and “vocal minority” and
“puppet” to paint some councilmembers in very negative terms.
Perhaps the writers of these letters should reconsider using
inflammatory language that serves no good purpose.
The fact that Sarah Gurney garnered about 1,000 votes more than
the runner up suggests that Sarah works for the community and they
are happy with her efforts.
Let’s stop the name calling now, work together, and get on with
city business.
Richard Nichols
Sebastopol