Eden board resignations hurt the students

Brian Burgstahler and Patrick Howard both had enough of being members of the Eden School Board. As a result, they both tendered their resignations to the board at last Monday’s (Feb. 13) meeting.

Both board members believed their voices were not being heard and as minority members, decided to opt out instead of continuing to fight for what they believe in.

Whether it be the heat of the moment or something building, the decision to walk away from the board at this time by these two members was the wrong choice.

At the heart of the matter was a board discussion on whether $6,500 should be spent on a study regarding the scheduling process for the school. Burgstahler said it was his understanding that the discussion on the matter was closed at the previous meeting.

In fact, Marc Graff, principal of the Eden Jr./Sr. High School told The Sun at the meeting that the scheduling process is working and he would not change it.

Although Burgstahler and Howard were in the minority on this issue – as well as other issues – they should have continued their commitment and remained as members of the school board. The likelihood is that they would have lost this battle. However, with the budget season in full swing and candidates for the school board soon to come forward, it would have been an ideal time for them to look for candidates who believe in the same ideals as they do to try and level the playing field.

It also comes at the most inopportune time as districts are in the midst of the budget process for the 2012-13 school year.

Each year, the process in putting together a budget becomes increasingly difficult. This year, school districts are facing the 2 percent tax cap levy, along with mandates and the potential for less state aid.

When joining a board – whether it be school or government – there is always that chance that people from both sides of the aisle will be represented. The structures of the boards are set up in a way so that there is an odd number of seats, meaning there has to be a majority.

Being a member of the minority party can be frustrating. However, that is when Burgstahler and Howard should have remained unified and stood up for what they believe is right.

Instead, those people who looked to these two men to serve as their voices, will now likely have no say for the time being. The board could appoint a couple of members, or possibly wait until the May trustee and budget vote and allow the public to decide who will fill those seats. The latter option seems likely as the shorthanded board will now have its hands full with dealing with the budget.

Arguably, this time of year is when the board’s decisions have the biggest impact on students. Despite their frustrations, Burgstahler and Howard should have stuck it out and done their best to fight for what they believe would have the most positive impact on students.

Instead, now their voices are silent and in a time when more members are needed, the school board is in a state of chaos.

Which sides ideas are right or wrong does not matter as much at this point. What does matter is that those people they made a commitment to represent to the best of their ability, the students, are worse off today because they are not getting full representation during the most difficult part of the year as the board works on its spending plan.

We are sure Burgstahler and Howard believe they did what was right by sending a message that they had no say, so it is best to walk away. But in reality, the message they are sending is that when the going got tough, they got going. Previous actions at meetings also suggest the resignations were not just a knee-jerk reaction. However, being at odds with other board members is not a good reason to end a commitment you sought voter approval for. Students at Eden are worse off today as a result.