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Residents of Bedford Central School District came out and voted for a change in direction less than two months ago.
For a board of education that has had the same president for 8 years, the most important change we can get at this moment is one in leadership. It must come now.
Mike Solomon is a success, plain and simple. No need to regurgitate his resume and financial chops. They are enviable. He should head the finance committee and school board at the same time.
We should be grateful that someone of his caliber would give themselves to a thankless volunteer position like this.
The role of president is more than just credentials, though. It’s about leadership. It’s about not being afraid to stand on principle. We need a leader who will set the course for the administration and superintendent, not the other way around (which is the current predicament we find ourselves in).
We need a leader who will advocate for the residents and parents with the same vigor that they do for the employees. We need a leader who will be transparent and firm when it comes to contract negotiations in this most critical upcoming year. We need a leader who will delegate properly, mindful that this is a board of seven.
Mike Solomon is already that leader. Now, let’s make it official.
A quick side note: Mr. Solomon recently moved to Pound Ridge. Board representation (or lack thereof) has been an issue for the people of this town for a few years now –and it has been a long time since a resident of Pound Ridge held either of the leadership positions on the board of education.
This would be another welcomed change for a district that finds itself trying to convince Pound Ridgers why being a part of the BCSD is good for their town. What’s clear is that we have a divided community. It’s clear that we have a school board that will be divided in its philosophy.
What isn’t clear is why board members Bracco, Grant and Gerken chose to not bridge that gap when the opportunity was offered to them by Solomon just 20 minutes into the very first meeting on July 1 (available for viewing on the BCSD webpage).
To break the deadlock, it was Solomon who offered to support Gerken for President if in turn they would support him for VP, thereby leading our district together.
They would not acquiesce. This is telling and disappointing.
When the board reconvenes on July 20, they have a golden opportunity to compromise and show the community that group interest trumps self-interest.
If they fail to do so, the community will have to show the board what they think of that squandered opportunity in 10 short months when residents become voters, yet again.
Joe Malichio
Pound Ridge
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