Thursday, March 6, 2008

Editorial misses the mark, sort of

The Courier Times incorrectly perceives the tension among board members to be a result of differing opinions. If that were the case, this morning’s editorial would be spot on. For those of you who witness school board meetings on a regular basis, you know our problems go much deeper than that.

I’m not upset with the Courier Times for their editorial. In fact, I am grateful that they are keeping this matter in the forefront of the news.

Let me leave you with a humorous anecdote arising from all this discord. Several weeks back while explaining to Frank Koziol how I respect his opinions and intentions even though I don't often agree with his views, I said "I disagree with about 75% of whatever comes out of your mouth." Without hesitation, Mr. Koziol smiled and replied "well, how does it feel to be right only 25% of the time?"

Well played, Mr. Koziol, well played.

Score: Koziol = 1, O'Connor = 0

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine this has been much fun for any of you but at least you've kept your sense of humor about it. If you can find a reason to laugh about yourselves during times like this, maybe there is hope things can work out.

Anonymous said...

I was so angry at the Courier this morning for dissing you that I was going to cancel my subscription but your right when you say they are only trying to report on the news that is important to us. Once again you make us proud by taking the high road.

Anonymous said...

Any truth to the rumor that the reason you threatened to resign from the school board is because you have higher political aspirations?

William O'Connor said...

I'm not one to usually say "never" but let's end that rumor real quick by saying NO WAY! I just wish McCain, Clinton and Obama would stop calling ;-)

Anonymous said...

My fear is that when all the hoopla is over and you've all resolved whatever issues you're squabbling over, we'll still end up losing Mr. Kadri. It's obvious the problem is that too many board members did nothing to save the man when we they had the chance. Since Kadri was already well into the interview process when you came onto the board, apparently his decision to leave was made before you took office. I don't know who I'm more pissed off at - the 2 or 3 who forced him to leave or the 4 or 5 who just sat there and watched. The most frustrating thing is we'll never know the truth.

Anonymous said...

It might be funny what Mr Koziol said but it seems that he is only interested in his agenda and not feeling you out about working to find common ground on the 75% he feels you are wrong about. Good luck to you and Neshaminy, you have my support.

Anonymous said...

Mr. O'Connor Said:

I can only assume the personnel report will be addressed after our workshop. I don't anticipate this will happen prior to next Tuesday's public meeting.

Are you kidding us? Who is leading our buildings is secondary to the bickering of the board. The personnel report and its implications have an impact on kids. It should be dealt with immediately. We deserve an explanation of what is going on.

Anonymous said...

I too am frustrated at not knowing what's going on with the personnel report, but I have faith in what Mr. O'Connor is doing. Prior to his election, the board was doing whatever it wanted regarding personnel matters as they did with the AD position last December. Only one board member at that time spoke up against that outrage but it didn't stop the others. Now it seems like the board is ready for a battle and I have to believe that's because O'Connor has stood up against the politics that has dominated the Neshaminy school board for so many years. I support him enough to give him benefit of the doubt until we see how this thing plays out. Let's be honest - if he weren't on the board, whatever crap the others are pulling would have gone by unchallenged. At least there are a couple of board members who are standing up to the political machine.

Anonymous said...

Amen to Living in Jersey. As much as I'm concerned to know what's going on with our board and personnel decisions, I am confident that Mr. O'Conner is doing the right thing.

Anonymous said...

Actually he wasn't the one to speak out on this. But since he is so interested in keeping us informed (i.e. this blog) then why won't he tell us what is going on? The school board chose not to accept the recommendation of an administrator for the second time in four months. We deserve to know why. If is smells like a rat..............

Anonymous said...

To the last anonymous...

Who are you implying is the one who spoke out on this? You seem to have the answer, so why don't you inform us?

Informed individuals realize that there are certain matters that cannot be discussed in public. There are rules to follow no matter how much we hate waiting for answers. I give Mr. O'Connor credit for following the rules set in place. Can't say that I have heard the same behavior practiced by some of the current or prior board members.

I am confident that Mr. O'Connor is watching out for the entire Neshaminy community and we will have answers to all that is going on very soon.

Hang in there, Mr. O'Connor! We all know what an asset you are to the school board. And I'm sure you don't hear this enough, but thank you!!!

William O'Connor said...

The "anonymous" who referred to another board member speaking out was probably talking about Bill Spitz. The AD decision was made before I took office, and Dr. Spitz was vocally opposed to the measure. I too opposed the appointment (because of the process involved; nothing to do with the candidates themselves) but did so as a citizen.

William O'Connor said...

And THANK YOU to Kadri Supporter for your kind words of support. I get a fair share of nasty-grams from those citizens who don't agree with my views, so it's much appreciated when I hear something positive.