I have been struggling lately with trying to find my voice as I write. I am not tired of writing. Nor have I run out of things to say. I am just stepping back and wondering about some of the issues I wish to write about now that I am an elected official.
I want to chronicle my years on the board of education for any number of reasons. First and foremost is the fact that I write about what I do and I want to write about this experience. Second, I think a lot of voters do not know what being on a board of education entails. I want to let people know what it is all about so that I might possibly encourage others to serve in the future. Third, I think that the public needs a way to communicate with local officials of all offices – not just school board – other than stopping those people in the grocery store or at church.
Two major issues in my school district have happened recently. Both were major news stories in my area. I did not have any official knowledge of either issue as my term does not begin until July 1. Yet, I have felt that I should not discuss these on my blog. I don’t like the feeling that a subject matter is off limits. Both items need to be discussed and will be the topic of blog posts this week. Neither post will deal with any “official” reaction but how I, as a parent and community member, saw what happened.
I had initially said I would start a second blog for my journey as a board of education member. I have now decided I will just integrate my posts here on this blog. I hope you all will bare with me. I do not think they will take over my blog but do think they are going to be a part of my life for the next three years.
Nicki's Nook 
Congrats on your new post! Our school district is so crazy, I often wonder why anyone would choose to serve, so I look forward to your posts. It’s difficult to find blog balance, glad you’re going to figure it out, maybe I can learn a thing or two from you!
Thanks, Anj! It is crazy in NY now, also. Our district does happen to be in good shape but not without issues that are coming up.
If it’s important to you, then it’s important to us. I’m sure we’ll enjoy seeing all of this unfold, it’s an exciting opportunity for you!
Thanks, Christine. Recent developments have me seriously thinking I made a mistake.
I second this.
Thanks, Amber!
For some of us, I think we struggle with finding our “voice” because we have many. We play different roles in our lives, professionally and personally. Our personalities are multi-faceted; so, too, are our voices.
At times, they compete. It’s tiring. We switch up, we merge, we step back. We’ll enjoy whatever voice you bring here, Nicki.
Thank you, BLW. Yes, it is tiring. Yes, it is many different voices competing. Yes, it is me trying to figure out which voice is “allowed.”
Wow, congrats! I know it will be a tough but rewarding three years. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think and learn.
Thanks, Stacia.
I still can’t believe you made such an amazing commitment! I’ll be learning a lot via your experience.
Commitment! Maybe that is why I am having second thoughts. 🙂
Nicki,
I think it would be invaluable for all of us to have an inside view of the workings of the school board. I would love to follow you, I am a board member of a non profit, and I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, and I think that our members often don’t know much about the work involved.
Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you for volunteering!
Paula
Paula – I have been on the board of a non profit also. I have also been the board liaison for the non profit and had to work that side of the puzzle. I do not go into this thinking it is two meetings a month. I know the commitment is more than that.
Thanks for coming by, Paula!
Nicki, I’m missing your daily missives but ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.
Congrats on joining the BOE!
The daily missives are less daily due to the end of school year mess at my house. I had one come home from college and have to settle back in. One that is almost done with high school for this year. And two that are adults and living at home. I have found my life is driving me crazy.
On top of that, my 23 year old daughter is in her best friend’s wedding next weekend. I don’t know where the time has gone or how my children are old enough for their friends to be getting married.
Nicki, I read this last week and it stuck with me – and I just wanted to return to comment. I don’t have great advice, but just want you to know you’re not the only one struggling to find your voice. Some days writing seems so easy for me, and then other days I really have to fight to put words down. Some days I have so much I want to say, and then other days I’m totally blank, nothing interesting to talk about.
All I can say is to keep writing! I love to read here, and especially like your photos. Just keep sharing with us and keep asking questions. And hopefully as you keep writing, no matter how hard it is, your voice will take shape. You’ll be surprised one day to realize that somehow your voice emerged when you weren’t even paying attention.
I am not sure there is good advice to give. I have sent a message to a school board member from another district who started a very public blog on the local newspaper. It was sparse as a lot of details cannot be given in public.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Eva.