APS School Board
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Anonymous
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Monique O’Grady isn’t running for re-election.
———— Dear Friends: I write this message with a heavy heart and want to share that after much thought, consultation with my family, and careful consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Arlington School Board. I feel strongly that I need to focus my last year on the school board, and more importantly my last six months as chair, dedicating my time and energy to working with my colleagues and our stellar superintendent, Dr. Durán, to reopen schools as safely as possible. We must return Arlington Public Schools to the strongest and safest new normal that can be achieved as we continue to mitigate the volatile pandemic. This will require my full and undivided attention. We find ourselves in unprecedented times. Our health and safety have been affected by a global pandemic and political unrest. These turbulent times have also caused us to deeply examine systemic racism in our society and the impact it has had in many of our institutions, including our schools. This has caused our community to reexamine what we hold dear, who we are, and where we need to be for a better future for our students. We are taking actions to support our students' educational progress and mental health, advance equity, and make sure we choose the safest option for moving forward as the Coronavirus continues to impact our daily lives. Under a different time in history, I would not hesitate to seek re-election, because I believe strongly in public service, experience, and institutional knowledge. I would want nothing more than to continue to work with our phenomenal superintendent. However, I need to focus my attention on leading and working with my colleagues and supporting Dr. Durán on returning to in-person learning as safely as possible and pushing forward our equity work. This is especially important as we continue to address the impact that the pandemic has had on all our students, and in particular on those who our data shows are not progressing as well with distance learning. As an elected member of the Arlington School Board and a parent who has dedicated 22 years to Arlington Public Schools, I will continue to firmly pursue progress in our school system and to work for a better future for all of our students throughout my term, which ends on December 31, 2021. Sincerely, Monique O’Grady |
Anonymous
| I’m sure Symone was thrilled to hear this. Just when she was getting comfortable publicly attacking people again... |
Anonymous
| I think it’s for the best— she isn’t the brightest tool in the shed. She was pretty qualified though in that she at least has had kids in aps though. |
Anonymous
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So she’s saying that because she’s taking on what she perceives as an unpopular view she won’t run bc she wouldn’t be re-elected?
At least she’s willing to fight for the students |
Anonymous
| I don’t blame her. Who the hell wants that job right now? It’s hell. So many frustrated people. |
Anonymous
Any position she might take on this would be unpopular with a significant portion of the population. I wouldn’t try to read tea leaves here. |
Anonymous
This. I will be sad to see her go. Much like Tania Tallento I thought she did a good job of balancing staff and family concerns. |
Anonymous
I’d be surprised if they make $30K for that gig, and this is just beyond. A PP was right- there are no winners here. The situation sucks, and it’s so much bigger than our local public school system. I feel sorry for all of them. |
Anonymous
| I certainly understand wanting to be done with it. School Board seems like a miserable job in the best of times. Who are we going to see running to fill the seat? The leftover candidates in the last round weren't very inspiring. Maybe it's going to finally be Audrey Clement's big moment. |
Anonymous
| I feel like more people from AEM or APE may have interest in running now. |
Anonymous
| I always thought it was interesting that so many Arlington citizens who don’t have an understanding of the school board issues, have no kids in schools and/or know nothing about the candidates vote for them. I wondered if the previous SB election results would have been different if it weren’t during a presidential election. We had record turn out this election and I know before I had kids I just filled in the names I recognized (now I cringe at that). Will be interesting to see who ends up getting elected this time around. |
Anonymous
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She was sure to get a primary challenge. I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I found her fairly worthless- extremely pleasant to be around- but that's it. She didn't ask tough questions, she didn't challenge staff, she wasn't responsive to constituent concerns. She either held her cards very close to the vest, or didn't really have any opinions- and I never was totally sure which it was.
Option schools are losing a big supporter- I basically view that as a good thing. On the other hand- school board members 'get better with age.' It seems like it is a steep learning curve, and to be effective you have to really understand how the system works and to know when you are getting a BS answer from staff/ and contrastingly know when its just a tough decision. I don't think a newcomer is going to be effective either. |
Anonymous
| Good riddance. I hope she at least works her ass off to get the kids back in school 5 days a week by fall. This should allow her to do what’s right (open schools) even though that is unpopular among her party and teachers. Not looking forward to whatever opportunist the AC/DC inflicts us on next. |
Anonymous
| Does this mean I’m going to start getting emails again from Steve Kreiger? Please say he won’t run. He was the worst. |
Anonymous
| What's that guy doing now anyways? |